We welcomed another local student for work experience
Thea is a student at Three Rivers Academy in Walton on Thames. We asked Thea to look back on her experience and share her thoughts.
Why did you choose to do your work experience at Walton Charity?
I decided to do my work experience at Walton Charity because I was uncertain about my future career path. I believed that gaining experience with a charity would provide valuable skills and insights, regardless of the direction I eventually choose. Plus, the opportunity to help people in my local community was something I appreciated.
Let me walk you through my week:
Day 1: Introduction and research
On my first day, I had the chance to meet Rob Mills, the Chief Executive Officer of Walton Charity. He gave me an overview of the charity’s 800-year history and its mission. My main task was researching the support and grants available for students entering further and higher Education. It was fascinating to learn about the ways the charity assists people.
Day 2: Community Allotment and social media
Tuesday took me to the community allotment on Terrace Road. I spent the day finishing a mural and doing some gardening. Being outdoors and chatting with volunteers made it a fun day. I got the chance to create a social media post too.
Day 3: Foodbank and Fenner House
Wednesday morning was all about the Walton & Hersham Foodbank. I helped them by stocking the donations of food and I gained great insight into how the foodbank operates at the same time. In the afternoon, I visited Fenner House, which is one of the charity’s independent living schemes for older people. I did an inventory of tools with the maintenance team. Attending a virtual team meeting provided more valuable insight into the charity’s collaborative efforts.
Day 4: The Bridge and more foodbank duties
On Thursday I started at The Bridge, which is a great new project helping people who are struggling to make ends meet. I restocked shelves in the shop and learned about its function. Sorting donated school uniforms was another task. Later, back at the foodbank, I replenished supplies from the stocks at the warehouse. I also categorised Elmbridge’s numerous charities using Excel—a revealing exercise as I had no idea how many charities operated in such a small area.
Day 5: Research and event planning
On my final day I researched transport options for residents of Fenner House and Mayfield (both are Walton Charity’s independent living schemes). Additionally, I searched for local bands that could perform at summer events for the residents.
Which roles did you particularly enjoy?
Although I found each day unique and interesting, I most enjoyed going to the foodbank because I felt that was the role in which I most actively got involved with helping people in the community, and it was great to learn more about how it works. All the volunteers were really friendly and made me feel at ease when I was there.
Any final thoughts on your work experience week?
I really enjoyed my time at Walton Charity because everyone I met was really lovely and made me feel welcome throughout the whole week. At the beginning, I had no idea about how many different things the charity does and how much it contributes to our local area, so I am very grateful I got to learn about everything it offers. It was also really important to find out about poverty in Elmbridge and how often it goes unnoticed. The entire week was varied, interesting and always kept me busy and challenged.
Thanks to everybody who organised and contributed to it, and I would definitely recommend work experience at Walton Charity to any student at Three Rivers Academy – it’s so local to the school and a great place not only to learn about the world of work, but also the importance of helping other people.
If your company is interested in providing work experience opportunities, please contact Three Rivers Academy.
