Building People, Changing Minds (BPCM) is a pilot project aimed at placing adults with learning disabilities, mental ill health and people seeking sanctuary into voluntary work placements across Lewisham.
One of the many BPCM placement hosts is Horniman Museum who are currently hosting a four month work placement as part of the project. Josiah the BPCM Work Placement Coordinator in this interview talks to placement participant Sarah and placement supervisor Gabriella about their experiences so far. Here are their interviews:
Sarah’s Interview
Josiah: How is everything going in your Building People, Changing Minds Placement at the Horniman Museum?
Sarah: At first when I came in, I was very nervous but the people at the museum were very friendly-like and I enjoy meeting people. They have very friendly faces.
Josiah: You started this work placement because in part you are interested in work with children and families?
Sarah: Yes, I do like working with kids such as babies and children. I really do enjoy it. I work at the Horniman Museum on a Wednesday and on the other four days I attend college. I did tell my sister that I was very nervous but she said that I would be okay.
Josiah: That’s great to hear and do you think it is preparing you for work in that sector?
Sarah: Well I have a daughter who is 30 and my nephew did have a lot of babies [so I have some experience already] but I do like meeting people and it is fantastic to be here.
Gabriella’s Interview
Josiah: From your perspective, how has it helped having Building People, Changing Minds as a project to place a volunteer with you?
Gabriella: We are a charity ourselves and we are open to everybody so it is a way to get into the community and have a place where everybody can work hard and support us as well as gaining experience. As Sarah says her goal and aim is to get a job with families so we were happy to support her to pursue her goals and aims.
Josiah: We had James, Sarah’s support worker attend Sarah’s interview for the position, did you feel like that bridge was important?
Gabriella: Yes, I did feel like it was important. You Josiah and James knew Sarah well. All the information that was shared about the person’s needs and experience was helpful to adjust the role accordingly and I think it was key to have you and James as support workers to help with the experience.