Prior to starting University I worked as a volunteer at the local Loros shop and warehouse in Glenfield, Leics during the holidays, around educational commitments (Summer 2016-Winter 2017). I love being involved in my community and getting to know people from different generations, social groups and backgrounds.  I found it very satisfying to be able to get jobs done and get to know colleagues and bond with others as a part of a team.

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In the warehouse I was given the responsibility of sorting through donations and making critical decisions as to what to keep to sell in the shop and what to recycle. I was involved in stocking the shelves in the shop and was given complete creative control of the presentation of different areas within the shop.

I was also able to work on the tills and have a customer facing role - I felt invigorated and excited with every new customer to talk to. Helping customers with their queries and recommending products felt very fulfilling.

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While at University I got the opportunity to work part time at Mead Open Farm in Billington, Beds. My first role (Halloween 2018) at the farm was working with the facilities team; I completed a Health and Safety course, COSHH training including the use of PPE and manual handling training as well as  bespoke training for different roles i.e. the Skytrail and Climbing wall. This involved understanding policies and procedures and understanding the practice of harnessing and giving safety instructions to customers; this helped me to become confident and  comfortable with directing and running through Health and Safety for customers including those who may have communication difficulties. It was important for me to be clear with my instructions, and I also  found it helpful for the young people and children to know what I was doing as I was harnessing them up and why  - as it made them and their parents understand and comply with the safety rules, and feel more confident knowing they were safe with me and up on the high ropes course.

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Being on the facilities team also meant that I had to take responsibility for routine risk assessments and be competent with ensuring that different areas were well stocked i.e. making sure that the toilet facilities had toilet roll and soap in the dispensers and emptying bins at the end of the day, litter picking, vacuuming and making sure that the areas were always hygienic and ready for customers.  

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Seasonal work included working over Christmas (Winter 2018/2019), this meant becoming an elf at the Christmas experience. During my time as 'Jingle the Elf' I absolutely loved working with the children and making their experiences as magical as I could! I worked in both the gingerbread kitchen as well as being hands on in Santa's workshop; The kitchens were challenging but it gave me the opportunity to really become part of the team and it proved vital in developing my communication skills. It was a hard task but I took charge of the elves and with the actors help, we made a lot of families feel the Christmas spirit!