Project Choice
Meaningful work experience for students with learning disabilities.
Quotes from Mentors, Students and Parents
“Working with Project Choice students is so rewarding, it’s a pleasure to deal with young people who are so enthusiastic about learning.”
Mentor, Sterile Services, NewcastleHospitals
“I look forward to my mentoring day on a Tuesday morning, Project choice students make my day feel meaningful and puts a spring in my step.”
Mentor, Microbiology, NewcastleHospitals
“ A project likes this enables the students to learn about the working environment and perhaps gives them skills for the future that they would not otherwise obtain” Directorate Manager, Newcastle Hospitals
Thank you for letting us have Shaun, it is not only Shaun that has gained from this project, we have found it incredibly rewarding and we are very sad he is moving on to his next placement.
Mentor,Sterile Services Unit, NewcastleHospitals
As John Bunyan once said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”This is how we see things in Sterile Services.
From the inception of Project Choice our main aim has been to expand the experiences of those with learning disabilities. This has proved to be a resounding success; not only has SSD staff gained in their Training & Development and yes, SSD had an extra pair of hands, but most of all the students have experienced a work environment which has given them an outward viewpoint on life. As Aristotle said, "Hope is the dream of a waking man"; I personally think we have instilled this hope in the students and look forward to future developments.
Manager, Sterile Services Unit, NewcastleHospitals
“From my point of view I would say that the consequential development of the mentors own capabilities and skills, although not a purposeful aim of the project, is nevertheless an equally beneficial aspect. It is also true to say that taking part in Project Choice also benefits the entire team in terms of departmental pride and culture, and as such, provides another strand of added value I think.”
Manager, Loan Equipment Service, NewcastleHospitals.
The difference in Jack is enormous, he is proud and excited to go to work. He has a purpose and it has transformed his life
Morag (parent of Intern)
"Project Choice and ourselves strive to improve the chances young people have of developing to their full potential and their transition into the world of work. To be involved in helping young people in workplace mentoring and also increasing opportunities for disabled students is a privilege and immensely rewarding".
Mentor, NHS Pricing Prescription Authority
I would say the sense of seeing someone improve in such a short space of time is very rewarding. Also for myself it is something new and fresh and makes me think for myself a lot more in the workplace. Finally it’s amazing as I can now speak fluent Japanese as my student teaches me a little more each day I spend with him!
Mentor, Loan Equipment Service, NewcastleHospitals
“Without exception project Choice students have showed an unparalleled work ethic. The time invested in their training has shown dividends in the department and it has been a pleasure working with them”
Hotel Services manager, Newcastle Hospitals
“I love my job. I work hard and no one wants me to leave. I dreamed of getting a paid job here during my placement and now I have!”
Intern, Trust Sterile Services Unit
“I feel like an adult. I have travelled to work independently, done my job and travelled home independently – just like the other workers. I’m so proud of myself, I want to keep working”
Student
“This is a very rewarding scheme for all those who participate, both students and members of staff alike. I have only heard positive comments and would recommend this scheme to all.” Directorate Manager, City Hospitals Sunderland
“ Having a person with learning difficulties in the department has had a positive effect. It has made us much more aware of how we communicate with people and it has given a great boost to everyone in the department.” Medical Secretary, City Hospitals Sunderland
“I think it is a very beneficial scheme which enables valuable knowledge and experience to be gained.” Medical Secretary, City Hospitals Sunderland
“Our student has been very helpful during the short period of time with us. Doing small jobs which are very time consuming” Senior Medical Secretary, City Hospitals Sunderland
“Having our student over the past few weeks has been a god send. Our student carried out tasks which take a lot of my time and has enabled me to free up time to deal with patients.”Specialist Nurse, City Hospitals Sunderland
“It is great for CHS to provide young people with learning difficulties. It is an opportunity for us to learn more about this particular area and enables us to help and assist people less fortunate than ourselves” Specialist Nurse, City Hospitals Sunderland
“We feel that as a department we have benefited from the experience. The students brighten up the working day. It is also rewarding to see how the students relax, open up and grow in confidence during their time with us” Pharmacy Department, City Hospitals Sunderland
“This programme touches lives like no other; there is no other programme elsewhere in the country like it.” Departmental Manager, City Hospitals Sunderland
“You feel really proud of your students and want to talk about how good they are.” Mentor, City hospitals Sunderland
“My son is at present in his third period of work experience in the labs at SRH. I feel that it has been a very worthwhile experience giving him some insight into what “real work” is. Initially it was a very daunting prospect which he wasn’t particularly looking forward to but the staff at SRH have made him feel very welcome and have taken into account difficulties he has in order to make him feel accepted and part of the team. The responsibility given to him has boosted his confidence and self-esteem.” Parent
“I thought that I would EMail you and thank you and all staff who helped Louise on Project Choice.
Louise enjoyed her time in the hospital, sterile services and of course the labs.
Project Choice helped Louise in many ways, apart from your objectives, which you all exceeded in.
Louise's improvements over the year were many and I thought that I should bring them to your attention.
- Louise felt an important part of the hospital, being a part of a team helping people.
- Louise's dexterity was greatly improved by working in sterile services.
- Louise's confidence was improved by working as part of a team.
- Louise saw the importance of the work she was doing, helping ill people.
- Her communication skills improved as she was encouraged to talk about work and social topics.
- As she had to buy her lunch from the canteen, her money skills also improved.
- All departments treated Louise as a valuable member of the team, this improved her social skills and her self esteem.”
(Parent internship student)
“I just wanted to thank you and everyone else at Project Choice for Ashley's experience this year and let you know how much it has meant to both of us.
If someone had told me, this time last year, that Ash would be travelling on 2 buses to get to work and 2 buses home again, managing to work and socialise with workmates and enjoying it, I would have wanted to, but would not have believed it.
The difference in Ash is incredible, everyone has commented on how much more confidence he has and how he has come out of his shell. My brother lives in Hertfordshire so doesn't meet with Ash often, but last time he came up with his family, they all said how Ash was like a different person, initiating conversations with them. His social skills (always his biggest problem, having Asperger's Syndrome) have developed tremendously. This is even having an effect on outside work hours, where he now has the confidence to attend a bowling club with other young adults who have social difficulties.
I can't thank you all enough from myself and Ash.
Please pass on my thanks too, to everyone at each of his placements for helping to restore his faith in human kindness and that he is a worthy human being. My apologies if that sounds over the top, but it really isn't. Ash has been depressed for as long as I can remember (I nicknamed him Eeyore, from Winnie the Pooh) always thinking the worst would happen and expecting the worst behaviour from everyone, being frightened to go anywhere without me escorting him. The change in him is unbelievable and he is for the first time ever, dreading the end of the year, rather than counting the days to it. He has, at last, felt useful, and has looked forward to going to work each day. It is just such a shame that it is coming to an end and I'm hoping that things don't revert, I like living with a happy Ashley.”
(Parent internship student )
Staff perspective Project Choice – Haematology, QEH
Scott completed work experience in the lab from September 2011 until June 2012, and he was an absolute pleasure to mentor. He would turn up around 45 minutes before his shift was scheduled to start, with a smile on his face and a story or two to tell. The thought of working in the lab excited him so much he was just desperate to work in here as much as possible, which lead to him always arriving early and trying his best to stay late! Some of his stories were a little far fetched (like the one he told about killing Santa Claus so there would be no Christmas this year) but they were always highly entertaining, and endeared him to all staff throughout the different departments within Pathology. He would constantly mention about how he would love to work full time in the lab and showed a natural enthusiasm for the work he was doing, which was very refreshing to see. He took great pride in knowing that he was doing work which was helping people in the community, which was reflected by the zeal and passion he put into any task that he did.
Between the different departments within Pathology, Scott managed to make many friends. He was always very bubbly and helpful towards everyone he met in the workplace, which resulted in him quickly becoming a very popular member of the team. He also became highly independent towards the end of his placement, proceeding to complete his tasks without any prompting at all in a highly professional manner.
Scott has left us with a few quotes from his time here, such as “kickin’ like a chicken” to describe that everything was going well, and he also described the departmental BMS3 – John Woodall – as “chillin’ like a villain” while he was sat working in his office. These quotes are still repeated amongst us to this day, leaving a nice little legacy from his time here.
The lab is a much quieter place without Scott, and that is such a shame. He brought an abundance of laughter and enthusiasm which rubbed off on those around him, and he will be sorely missed. Not just by our department, but the whole of Pathology.