Charlotte Darby. Image by: Demmi Robinson
My new role as Youth Work and Education Assistant through Kickstart
I have previously worked as a Care Assistant supporting young people and adults experiencing mental health and learning disabilities at St Nicholas Hospital. I applied for the Government funded Kickstart role at Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) in March 2021 as it was a great opportunity to learn about wildlife and try something new.
In April, I was accepted for employment at NWT as a Youth Work and Education Assistant through the programme. This role entails supporting a Green Mentor (Youth Worker) working with young people (aged 10 – 14) participating in UK based Green Influencers Scheme alongside supporting the Education Assistant running sessions in schools and school holidays and other family programmes.
From my first month’s experience at NWT so far, I have learnt about wildlife; bird ringing, shelter building, habitats, water levels and the effects of bird population and reed plants from NWT staff. I have had the opportunity to shadow staff running different projects within NWT to develop my skills and knowledge.
Charlotte Darby supporting at a recent event for World Environment Day. Image by: Demmi Robinson.
I have prepared resources, activities and equipment for sessions with young people and supported Demmi Robinson, NWT's Youth Worker in delivering sessions. I have lead ice breaker activities and gardening projects with groups of young people so far in a school setting (Marden High School), in the Byker community and at Northbourne Youth Initiative (youth club). From my background supporting people with mental health and learning disabilities, I have been able to understand when young people are struggling to engage in the sessions and offered additional support when required.
I have supported Lynette Friend, NWT's education officer to deliver projects in primary schools and will be assisting to deliver summer half term activities for children and families at Hauxley. I have also been involved in attending events with the Catch My Drift project running family activities to build nest boxes and pond dipping.
I’m looking forward to my placement at NWT for the next five months as I will gain experience working with children and young people from diverse backgrounds. In addition, I will learn more about wildlife, to support people to connect to nature and help re-build local communities through funding. I will also be attending a Forest School course to expand my skills and gain a qualification in outdoor wildlife teaching for children.
This role has provided numerous CV enhancing skills to support my career. From this experience I have found a passion and want to continue working within this sector and to study to a qualification in wildlife, conservation and ecology. I have found the staff at NWT welcoming and friendly, the working environment is warm, supportive, and I am grateful for this experience.