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I started work in September 2014 with MacIntyre No limits in Leicester and I want to share with you my thoughts of the amazing team that I work with. Every member of staff has shown me their individual ways and skills of working with the young people we support. I have hopefully taken a little bit of wisdom from them all and added their wisdom to my knowledge, helping me to become a valued member of the team supporting students well.
One of the happiest times I have been involved in was taking a student to the Christmas Party. I accidentally spilt the salt pot which Lucy found so funny that she was full of laughter for the whole of the lunch. During the car journey home we were all in tears with laughing so much as she kept reminding me of what I had done. To see a student so happy is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Supporting Vincent brings a smile to my face. Initially Vincent was a student who didn’t want to leave his bedroom or remove his head from under the covers, but staff worked with Vincent in a facilitative way to help build his confidence. They really got to know him and listened to his concerns, and they responded with reassurance which built trust. Staff were able to encourage Vincent to sit up in bed and then by being reassuring and friendly, which helped Vincent to feel special, he was able to leave his bedroom and talk with staff in his living room. With further support and encouragement, building even more confidence, Vincent felt comfortable with staff and began to gradually leave his house to visit different places in his community. To begin with Vincent would want to go to different places but then be too afraid to get out the car. Staff were patient and gave him the time that he needed which then enabled him to leave the car and explore different places. I can think of one time when we were out for lunch, Vincent looked through the menu and ordered and paid for his own food showing great independence. He then ate every little bit of food and gave a huge smile.
Jim another student is amazing with his clay work; he appears to make his models effortlessly. Jim recently made the dancing teddy bear in the Teletubbies; the one with the bow tie and the cane. After painting the model and holding it up for us to see, he was so proud he said “Wow look at me!”
All the students that I work with bring a huge smile to my face every day and I feel very lucky that I have such an amazing and rewarding job.
One of the happiest times I have been involved in was taking a student to the Christmas Party. I accidentally spilt the salt pot which Lucy found so funny that she was full of laughter for the whole of the lunch. During the car journey home we were all in tears with laughing so much as she kept reminding me of what I had done. To see a student so happy is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Supporting Vincent brings a smile to my face. Initially Vincent was a student who didn’t want to leave his bedroom or remove his head from under the covers, but staff worked with Vincent in a facilitative way to help build his confidence. They really got to know him and listened to his concerns, and they responded with reassurance which built trust. Staff were able to encourage Vincent to sit up in bed and then by being reassuring and friendly, which helped Vincent to feel special, he was able to leave his bedroom and talk with staff in his living room. With further support and encouragement, building even more confidence, Vincent felt comfortable with staff and began to gradually leave his house to visit different places in his community. To begin with Vincent would want to go to different places but then be too afraid to get out the car. Staff were patient and gave him the time that he needed which then enabled him to leave the car and explore different places. I can think of one time when we were out for lunch, Vincent looked through the menu and ordered and paid for his own food showing great independence. He then ate every little bit of food and gave a huge smile.
Jim another student is amazing with his clay work; he appears to make his models effortlessly. Jim recently made the dancing teddy bear in the Teletubbies; the one with the bow tie and the cane. After painting the model and holding it up for us to see, he was so proud he said “Wow look at me!”
All the students that I work with bring a huge smile to my face every day and I feel very lucky that I have such an amazing and rewarding job.
The names of the students mentioned have been altered for confidentiality
Lyn Mawhinney
Community Learning Facilitator
No Limits, Leicester
