Work Experience

This Summer, we hosted a student from Elthorne Park High School for work experience as part of his curriculum. Here’s what he had to say about his time with us.

“In July I did my school Work Experience placement at the William Hobbayne Centre. I found it to be a very enjoyable and educational experience. It lasted three days and I did a large variety of activities to learn about how the Charity works. When I arrived at the Centre I was introduced to the volunteers and staff, who were all very kind and friendly. I learned some of the history of the Charity, and how it receives grant applications using online forms. Then, I attended a meeting of one of the Charity's subcommittees and observed how they operate. Afterwards, I had the task of researching other forms of assistance for those in need and hardship (such as other charities) and assembling this information into a list. In the evening, I attended the monthly Trustees meeting where the Charity decides what grants it can make. The next day, I helped with monthly safety checks at the centre, such as testing the emergency lights (being tall was very helpful here). I then helped create the minutes of the Trustees meeting from the night before. I finished the previous day's research task then organised results from a survey about different activities at the centre (which was quite interesting) and the sorts of people who take part into a spreadsheet. On Wednesday, I assisted Hanwell Neighbourly Care prepare for their weekly meeting and stayed there to help them. Elderly people pop into the centre and meet up with others from Hanwell, have a chat, enjoy tea and biscuits and play billiards in the games room. It was very nice to talk to members of the local community. I was then shown the website of the Charity and tasked to create my own (this) blog post.

To finish, I visited the one of Charity's small outdoor spaces, where local residents are able to grow their own produce and flowers Overall, it was a very interesting time, and I am very thankful for the opportunity.”