This week, I had the amazing opportunity to spend time at Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, gaining insight into the organisation and the important work they do to support people with their mental health. It was a really varied and rewarding experience that helped me develop new skills, explore different roles, and better understand how a mental health charity operates.
Tuesday – Getting Started
My week began with an introduction to the organisation. I learned about the different functions of Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and the various roles within the team, both in terms of paid positions and volunteering opportunities. It was really interesting to see how many different people and departments are involved in keeping things running smoothly, from frontline support workers to the admin and communications teams behind the scenes. I also had the chance to plan out my schedule for the rest of the week, which helped me feel organised and ready to get stuck in.
Wednesday – Creative Work and Client Interaction
On Wednesday morning, I focused on creating a PowerPoint presentation that promoted Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and its services. This helped me build my marketing and design skills, and I enjoyed finding creative ways to represent the organisation’s values and impact. In the afternoon, I moved to the reception area, where I supported the team by greeting clients and answering calls. This part of the day really helped me develop my interpersonal and communication skills, as I had to stay professional, approachable, and calm while speaking to people who might have been going through difficult times.
Thursday – A Look at Finance
As someone with a growing interest in finance, I was excited to spend the day with the finance team. They walked me through how the department supports the charity, from processing invoices to managing budgets and donations. It gave me a real appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a charity like this functioning. I found it all really fascinating, and it opened my eyes to a potential career path I hadn’t considered before.
Friday – Social Media and Reflection
Friday morning was all about creativity again, this time designing a post for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind’s Instagram. I enjoyed thinking about what kind of content would engage their audience and reflect the charity’s mission. Social media plays such a big role in spreading awareness and encouraging people to reach out for support, so it was great to contribute to that. In the afternoon, I returned to reception for a while before finishing off the day by writing this blog and reflecting on everything I’d learned.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this week has been a fantastic experience. I’ve learned so much about the different roles within a mental health charity, developed a range of new skills, and met some really kind and supportive people. Everyone made me feel so welcome and encouraged me to ask questions and try new things. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and would recommend a placement like this to anyone looking to explore a career in the charity or mental health sector.
