"My 1st few months at the Involvement Centre"

Hi,

I've recently started a Apprenticeship at the Involvement Centre @ Duncan Macmillan house, Nottingham. I didn't know what to expect with coming into contact with Service users or even staff members.

Well the day arrived, I was sitting in reception waiting for a staff member to come and collect me to show me around where i was about to be for the next 15 months. I arrived into the centre, it had a homely feeling to it, a place that can welcome anyone and the staff members were very nice and welcoming which they meet and greeted me into the team. They also showed me and explained what 'Involvement' is, what is consists off. They also gave me the 'Tree Book' - this had brief explanations on what groups and events were held by the Involvement team and centre.

Then a service user came in and i got introduced to him then i had a talk with my 1st service user which was a nervous experience of what not to say or what to say.

The 1st few weeks flew by, easing my way into the role and getting into the roll of things, of job duties. The service users are the nicest people you could ever meet. They are one the best bit of the job. To have a conversation with them and to see what they're up to at the weekend or even if its having a laugh with one of them - thats the best perk to the job here.

I look at some of the Service users around here and i honestly think they are inspirational of what they have been through or are even still going through - its a real honour being in their company!

Im currently 4/5 months to my apprenticeship - i can honestly say i like it here but being in an office and being in contact with service users has made me realise i want to become a Support Worker or Care worker so hopefully i can gain experience being here or even get onto a course to gain some health & social skills.

I feel like i can help out more being more active than sat behind a desk because i feel like i have a good understanding of what they are going through or have been through.