Work placement is a hit with caring Barnsley College student

@BarnsleyCollege Higher Education Professional Practice in Health and Social Care Foundation Degree student, Ellie-May Jarman, has spent 200 hours on work placement at Low Laithes, a bespoke residential service that provides accommodation, personal care and support for adults with complex needs.

Working as part of the Vocational Team, Ellie-May participated in ensuring that residents were safe and comfortable during their stay and was given the opportunity of running art and craft sessions.

Ellie-May also played a vital role in conducting a survey on the eating habits of residents. This was to support staff in promoting healthy eating habits whilst retrieving information on the likes and dislikes of each resident in order to adapt food options and menus to their preferences.

Ellie-May said: “The Low Laithes placement has helped me understand how diverse the needs of residents are and how important it is to adopt practices to understand and meet those needs.

“Low Laithes has given me an insight into how important it is to understand the world from the perspective of the service user. I am studying to be a Paramedic, so understanding the behavioral signs of distress is fundamental in terms of safeguarding.”

Louise Beaumont, General Manager at Low Laithes, added: “We have worked jointly with Barnsley College for over four years to enable students studying Foundation Degree courses in Health and Social Care to gain valuable work experience.

“We have found the students to be creative, enthusiastic and motivated to learn new skills and forge relationships in our workplace setting.Some students have progressed into employment with us and we are pleased to offer them a flexible approach to balance their studies with work. We look forward to the future and our continued working relationship.”