Publish date: 26 March 2025
To mark National Supported Internship Day, 27 March, we’d like to share the stories of some of the Trust’s interns, who have all been with us since September 2024.
The Trust’s supported internships provide a structured, work-based study programme for young people (aged 16–24) with special educational needs or a disability, helping them develop the skills needed for sustained paid employment.
Ciaran Leech
Ciaran, 21, has been working in our facilities admin hub and is thoroughly enjoying the experience.
Early in his internship, it became clear that Ciaran was a quick learner with a keen interest in enhancing his IT skills. To support this passion, his placement manager asked Hugh Roberts, an ICT systems support specialist, to conduct IT sessions with Ciaran once a week.
Hugh said: “It has been my pleasure and privilege to assist Ciaran with the development of his ICT Skills. He is a model student with excellent knowledge-recall, motivation and retention abilities. I wish him well in his future computer studies and I am certain he will achieve his full potential in this subject, for which he possesses a natural affinity.”
Bori Emablo
Bori, 20, works in our restaurant. Thanks to her placement, Bori has had the chance to enhance her customer service skills, communication abilities, food hygiene knowledge, teamwork capabilities, and learnt to work independently.
Bori has also completed her Level 2 Food Safety and Allergen training during her time at the Trust.
Mikela Foster, the restaurant supervisor supporting Bori, said: “Bori is a fantastic intern. She does her tasks with speed and accuracy, always smiling and happy to help. She has even started to serve customers on the counter, under supervision.
“It’s a pleasure to have her with us.”
Kayleigh Watson
Kayleigh, 19, has been working in our out-patients department and at the Stamford Unit in a house keeping role.
During her time in out-patients, Kayleigh expressed a desire for more interactive patient contact, leading to her placement in the Stamford Unit, an intermediate care facility for patients who are medically stable but require extra support.
The placement has allowed Kayleigh to assist Activity Coordinator Carol Delaney, with patient sessions.
Housekeepers Natalie Deakins and Hilary Day said: “Kayleigh is a lovely girl who gets along with all the staff and patients on the Stamford Unit.”