Grassroots Training: a student experience

In spring last year I took part in an experienced based post graduate certificate course which was arranged by Brighton University’s Community University Partnership Programme (Cupp). I spent time at a Brighton based not-for-profit organisation called Grassroots training, which provides suicide intervention and mental health awareness training to the local community. Whilst on my placement I was supported through action learning sets at the university to achieve a Post-Graduate Certificate in Community Enterprise.

During my time with Grassroots I worked on three main projects: the redesign of course evaluation forms; reaching a higher quality standard of monitoring and evaluation through PQASSO software; and qualitative research into how a mental health awareness course de-stigmatised mental health issues. I also helped with a number of other relevant projects such as creating a social media strategy for the release of a new suicide awareness film.

I considered the project a safe space for myself as a recent graduate to practice and grow my professional skills. The organisation was very good at finding the balance between nurturing me as new talent and acknowledging my existing abilities, resulting in the most productive outcomes for both of us. As someone who doesn’t like to be micro managed, I thrived within the supportive but autonomous space I was provided with, especially with the peer support and learning through the university.

As with many people in my situation at the time, the question of whether I would be able to financially support myself during the course was a primary concern. However, the course fees were paid and I was able to work two days a week at another organisation, which over the three months was practicable for me. This meant that I could gain further experience in the voluntary sector. Thanks to my experience and first class qualification, I gained a full time job in the Third Sector as soon as I left my placement. My relationship with Grassroots also continued to develop beyond my time with them, as I continue to play a role in the organisation through fundraising, helping out where I can and most recently becoming the youngest trustee of their newly formed charity! The benefits have been huge for both of us.

For someone like me, who wanted to follow a not-for-profit route for their career, this internship was the perfect option. Having a safe space to develop skills in is vital wherever you want to be, and between Grassroots and the University I felt able to make the transition from a student to a professional person. I would recommend these placements to anyone who can take them. As young professionals we get taught all the theory of making it in the workplace, but these placements give you what you need in practice, and for that I’m very grateful.

Kerry Dowding Postgraduate student

http://www.prevent-suicide.org.uk/