Social Work Students - Why Headway Kent is a great for placement, and why placement is great for Headway Kent

Last week we were visited by Vivian, who was shadowing in our Ashford hub as part of her studies.

We are privileged here at Headway Kent to be able to host students. Be that student social workers like Vivian, volunteer weeks, or work experience, and our clients love getting to meet people.

Social work student placements are an important part of training to be a social worker. Being able to gain real world knowledge and experience, develop their skills, such as communication and professional judgement. As well as seeing first hand the diversity of people, needs and problems.

Because Brain Injury effects so many, and across such a wide range of people, here at Headway we have such a wide cast of characters to meet and spend time with, many of who also have stories of their interactions with social workers, good and bad, that can provide great insite for those in training. Or to students in other fields, broadening horizons as they grow.

To put it into Vivians own words, when asked about her time she wrote "I got to spend the day with the most resilient individuals I have ever met. This experience has strengthened my professional skills while reinforcing the importance of empathy and person- centred care in practice."

 

As for why Headway enjoys having students of all types visit. First its always nice to see our members sharing with someone new, and seeing fresh takes on old stories, and the reactions to the funniest parts, can breathe fresh joy into the day.

It's also nice to have that extra pair of hands, knowing there is someone who can help, in even small ways, is a huge blessing for the team.

 

All told, the relationship between Headway Kent, and the student social workers we meet, is one we hope continues to grow.