T Level students support a charity and create a cycle of new talent
Overview
Headway Gloucestershire is a local charity dedicated to improving life after brain injury.
T Level students are offered hands-on experience in brain injury care, they have been able to contribute ideas, support recovery and often continue as volunteers or employees, creating a cycle of new talent while strengthening the healthcare workforce.
Key benefits and outcomes
- The placements provide invaluable experience, preparing students to pursue careers in healthcare.
- Students bring different perspectives and skills, enhancing Headway Gloucestershire’s ability to support individuals with acquired brain injuries.
- Many students continue their involvement beyond the placement, becoming volunteers or even paid employees.
- Through therapeutic tasks and tailored activities, students contribute to the mental and physical wellbeing of patients.
What the organisation did
Headway Gloucestershire worked with Cirencester College to develop the placements. Clear objectives are shared with students during their induction, and then students shadow different teams to understand the breadth of the charity’s work. They take part in therapeutic tasks that are tailored to the physical, social and psychological needs of people with acquired brain injuries.
The placements are an opportunity for T Level students to apply their knowledge of person-centred care, promoting physical and mental wellbeing and managing information and data. Because they have learned about anatomy and the nervous system, they can understand the effects of acquired brain injuries. Under supervision, students participate in different aspects of the charity’s work, including supporting key workers, helping individuals with daily living activities and implementing individual care plans that enhance a person’s health, comfort and wellbeing.
The students’ involvement supports the recovery journey. They guide individuals to useful resources, create information leaflets, and assist with activities that have a positive impact on people’s mental wellbeing. Their broader knowledge and skills are also invaluable. One student, who was passionate about music, organised a music group, while another, with a keen interest in sports, led a physical activity group.
During their placements, students work closely with the team, receiving hands-on support and opportunities to reflect on their experiences.
“The variety of opportunities provides extensive learning. It gives the students insight into how they can contribute to the charity during and after their placement, as well as their own career pathways on completing their T Level programme.”
Lewis Koprowski, Enablement Manager
Results and benefits
Staff at all levels see supporting T Level students as a valuable investment in the future healthcare workforce. But it also enriches the current service, with staff and users benefiting from the fresh skills and ideas each student brings with them.
After their placements, students have become volunteers with the charity, providing much needed added resource and ongoing community connections for the young people and the charity. One T Level graduate is now a paid team member who acts as a mentor to current T Level students, continuing the cycle of new talent and innovative ideas.
By integrating T Level students into the daily activities at Headway Gloucestershire, the placements raise awareness of the impact of acquired brain injury and the work of the charity. Once they have completed their T Level, there are opportunities for students to join the organisation as volunteers or as paid employees who mentor the next generation of T Level students.
“We know there is a shortage of people working in the care sector and anything we can do to encourage and inspire people to support the sector is fabulous. Following an acquired brain injury, an individual can experience many obstacles and difficulties which can impact on the quality of their life. T Level students have supported us to help and enable individuals with their recovery journey – to get back on track in a way that is right for them. This collaboration is a win–win situation: Headway Gloucestershire gains, our customers gain, the T Level student gains and their colleague’s gain.” - Julie Reader-Sullivan, CEO Headway Gloucestershire
Takeaway tips
- Provide objectives to ensure students have clear goals and understand their roles and professional boundaries in the organisation.
- Supporting T Levels can create a cycle of new talent.
- T Level students bring fresh perspectives and skills. Use their broader knowledge and skills to maximise their impact and the contribution they can make to the workplace.
