Rachael, a person we support from Somerford Place and a proud member of the Liaise Influencers (our co-production network), is a creative and enthusiastic individual who loves to stay active. Her passion for art shines through her hobbies, and she also enjoys spending time working in her home’s garden and assisting with various office tasks.
Spending quality time with her friends and family is important to Rachael. These moments are special to her, whether it’s sharing a meal, chatting, or hanging out with her mum. One of Rachael’s highlights this year has been attending college weekly to study retail, where she enjoys learning and connecting with her fellow students.
Rachael’s Work Experience
Although Rachael doesn’t recall her childhood dream job, she now aspires to become a police officer, specifically in the Haringey/Tottenham area. While working towards that goal, Rachael is gaining valuable experience in her first role as a volunteer at a charity shop, working four hours from 11 to 3pm every Thursday.
Rachael takes on various responsibilities in her role, including greeting customers, working on the till, placing pricing tags on items, and arranging them on shelves and clothing racks. This dynamic role allows her to engage in a variety of tasks, keeping her workdays both interesting and rewarding. She enjoys working with her team, describing them as kind, friendly, and supportive.
How Work Has Impacted Rachael
Rachael’s role at the charity shop has positively impacted her. She has developed skills such as talking to customers and operating the till while also growing her confidence and independence. She takes pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers and colleagues by always giving her best.
When asked if there’s anything new she’d like to try at work, Rachael expressed her contentment with her current role, saying she enjoys what she does.
Advice to Others
For those considering stepping into the world of work, Rachael offers simple yet impactful advice: “Do your best.”
Rachael’s story showcases how volunteering can open doors to new skills, meaningful connections, and greater independence. It reflects her positive outlook and dedication to contributing to her community.
