“I joined Reachout at the end of February 2022 as an Admin Studio Support Worker as part of a back to work placement.

I wanted to work for Reachout to increase my motivation and aspirations, develop links with the wider community, and maybe even learn some new arts and craft skills. My experience working at Reachout has been invaluable and enjoyable. I really enjoy meeting new members and witnessing their progress, improved wellbeing, and positivity.
A key part of my role is to it is my job to help the team ensure the studio runs efficiently day to day and that members have a positive experience at Reachout. From booking members onto workshops, handling reception admin, collating monitoring data, and setting up workshops to making teas and coffees, I do what I can to support Reachout staff and members.

Throughout the year, I also helped support some outreach partner projects, such as the outdoor Play in the Park sessions with Home Start and other summer sessions. This involved going to local parks and encouraging children to create with their own imaginations, making the sessions as enjoyable as possible.

My own confidence and self-esteem have grown significantly since working at Reachout”.

Aileen gained many administrative and organisational skills, and after her six month placement ended, she remained employed by Reachout for a further eighteen months.