Students raise funds for MRI Appeal

Students who are currently part of a Health Education England  Supported Internship Programme at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, held a tea party to celebrate and support the recent 70^th anniversary of the NHS, raising funds for the trust's MRI scanner appeal. 

The students are part of Project Choice, a publically funded programme, that supports students who have learning difficulties/disabilities or autism, to gain valuable work experience in a supportive environment.  

A number of students have been working in various teams across the trust's sites, including, library services, admin, IT, portering, housekeeping, painting & decorating, equipment loan service and catering. 

Amanda Form, learning & organisational development manager at CDDFT, said, "This is the first year we've worked with students from Project Choice and we're really touched that they wanted to get involved with the celebrations, baking and buying cakes that they then sold, raising over £60 for our appeal bringing new state of the art MRI scanners to Darlington Memorial and Bishop Auckland hospitals. 

"We're delighted that their placements are going very well. We put a lot of effort into getting to know the students as individuals so we can meet their differing needs in order to give them the best experience.  The students will be with us for a year, working in a number of placements during that time.  We're very proud of them and delighted to have them with us.  They have shown great commitment and enthusiasm and have fitted in really well into our large organisation. We're also very proud of, and grateful to colleagues who are guiding and mentoring these young people, giving them valuable work experience and confidence." 

Alyson Goldwater, Project Choice Area Manager, who works closely with the trust to arrange suitable placements, added "The students have received understanding and support from staff acting as mentors. This had subsequently demonstrated a positive improvement to their employability skills especially in confidence and communication.  Following their successful placements, the students have been working on a transition plan with some applying for paid employment, volunteer roles or Apprenticeships/Supported Apprenticeships." 

A new cohort of Project Choice students are starting the programme in September, with placements once again being located within County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, as well as other local organisations. 

The appeal to raise funds for the MRI scanners continues until the end of the year.  If you have a fundraising idea or want to find out how you can help, contact 01325 743781.

Ends

Published 16 August 2018