Volunteer Youth Support Worker Review

If I could choose my placement again I would absolutely choose to work for Young Devon. The experience has been invaluable to me, not only in a professional sense but in a personal sense. The aspect I enjoyed the most was working with young people, I was trusted with the responsibility to work with this amazing client group. The opportunity to positively influence the life of someone dealing with very difficult circumstances was an indescribable honor.

I have never experienced anything quite like the appreciation I received from all of the staff at Young Devon. I was treated like a member of staff from day one and was regularly praised for my work.

Even though I was dealing with some very serious cases on a daily basis I never felt out of my depth. This was down to the support from not only my managers but the entire work force. I attended monthly supervision meetings which enabled me to talk about any issues. I was always debriefed by a more senior member of staff if I was dealing with a particularly difficult situation.

I was always busy but this was very much controlled by myself. If ever I felt that I had too much work to do then I would speak to my manager or someone else from the team and they would always be able to help. During the beginning of my placement if I found that I didn't have anything to do I spoke to another member of staff, however, as I got to understand the charity more I was able to find myself work if I needed to.

The responsibility I was given during my placement grew with time and confidence. I was entrusted with a variety of different things during my time with Young Devon. This ranged from being in charge of cases, to attending panel meetings as well as being front of house. I did not have to push to be given more responsibility.

The most crucial help regarding my future studies has been the real life experience of mental illness. There is a distinct difference between reading about depression in a textbook and working every week with a young person who is dealing with depression. With regards to my career prospects the skills I have developed proven to be a direct influence on enabling me to not only apply but be successful in future jobs.

A jovial but caring atmosphere. I was always able to have a joke with colleagues but at the same time I know that if my day was particularly challenging then I would be supported by the team.

It did not really require organisation in a strict sense. I was always approached to see if there was something I wanted to be involved in and the process was very straightforward and painless from there onward.

I was granted access to any of the training sessions that I wanted to participate in. This was the same throughout the entire year and did not trail off just because my training had come to an end.

I am very keen to keep my relationship sustained with Young Devon- I would absolutely consider future employment with them.

Yes, I went out for coffee or drinks or food with my colleagues fortnightly at a minimum. I am still very much in contact with many of them,

Average for the UK. Not extortionate and not anywhere near the price of London.

I lived with university students and there was the opportunity to go out 3 times a week if I wanted to.

It is very much just the case of looking for what suits you. Speaking to those who live in the area (such as work colleagues) is really helpful as they often know about things you don't necessarily find on google.