Ben

Supported Internship Case Study: Ben

My Project SEARCH experience has been brilliant! It’s been really varied, I’ve learned a lot and have been pushed outside of my comfort zone which has definitely helped to grow my confidence.

My last rotation was based in the Eat Well shop at Whipps Cross Hospital. Whilst I was mainly on the till, my other tasks included stock-checking and looking for expired goods so they didn’t go on sale, dressing the shop floor and delivering stock. I’m a quick learner and my managers were impressed by how much I threw myself into the role – I even managed to learn how to use the tills in just half a day!

I enjoyed this role a lot, particularly the social aspect of it. It was wonderful to interact with customers and I actually received loads of compliments from people in the shop on my customer service skills! My managers also tell me that I’m amazing at connecting with people which is so nice to hear.

In fact, one of the best parts of the programme has been the support and encouragement I receive from my job coaches. I have a tendency to underestimate myself and think I can’t do something, but they are always brilliant at boosting my confidence and showing me that even if something seems daunting at first, I am capable of doing it well.

For example, before working in the shop, I was based in the physiotherapy unit where one of my tasks was to call up patients on the phone. At first, I found this quite scary, but I knew that I had support around me and felt so proud of myself for doing it. It has definitely increased my confidence outside of work too. I now get the train to the hospital every day on my own, which is something I didn’t feel able to do before.

My message to anyone considering going on the programme would be to just give it a go! It has made me realise that I have loads of potential and I can smash whatever I put my mind to.