5 Dec 2024 | Alex Mahoney
As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back on an incredible summer with two outstanding interns, Sammy and Flo, who chose to work at Esteem. Over their 8-week internship, they got involved in a variety of activities and quickly adapted to the new and exciting challenges of youth work. Read on to find out what they got up to!
“Every day has been different: fun, interesting, and occasionally tough. I’ve had to think deeply, stay quick on my feet, and adapt to new and unexpected situations.”
Flo’s Internship Blog
Back at the start of July, I began an 8-week internship with ESTEEM. Sammy (the other summer intern) and I have taken on a variety of tasks and activities. Our main responsibility has been organising the summer HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme. This included choosing activities, booking venues, and planning each day. Now, as the internship comes to an end, HAF is just around the corner. We’ve planned an exciting schedule, including trips to Flip Out in Chichester, Brighton Pier, Yellowave Beach Volleyball, Hollywood Bowl, and Lazer Zone in Brighton. I’m thrilled for HAF to begin!
We’ve also had the chance to help run the drop-in sessions. From tie-dye and karaoke to card tricks and being chased around Stanmer Park, it’s safe to say we’ve experienced a fantastic variety of activities.
One of the things that truly makes ESTEEM special is the incredible people connected to the charity. Getting to know and work alongside the young adults here has been a fantastic experience and is undoubtedly the highlight of my internship. I’ve also loved working with the staff team. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. One of the best parts of being an intern at ESTEEM is collaborating with different departments on a range of projects, like the Shoreham Raft Race.
During my internship, I had the opportunity to help prepare ESTEEM’s raft for the Shoreham Raft Race. This involved building the raft with the young adults, guided by one of ESTEEM’s brilliant mentors, Ian. I also helped paint the raft, which turned out great thanks to the young adults’ creativity. On race day, the team navigated the course seamlessly, though our flag was unfortunately taken down—apparently, it wasn’t quite designed to withstand the coastal winds!
This internship has challenged me in so many ways. Every day has been different: fun, interesting, and occasionally tough. I’ve had to think deeply, stay quick on my feet, and adapt to new and unexpected situations. One of the most valuable aspects has been the reflective practice we engage in. After each session, we debrief to evaluate what went well, what could be improved, and how we can implement those insights moving forward. This has been an incredibly helpful tool for personal and professional growth.
Sammy’s Internship Blog
During July and August, I served as a Summer Activities Intern at ESTEEM, working alongside another intern, Flo Morris. Flo’s tenacity and friendly nature enriched my experience, making even the most challenging tasks more manageable.
Our primary responsibility was organising ESTEEM’s Summer HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme, an initiative providing activities for young people eligible for free school meals. Collaborating with Flo on this project allowed me to enhance my administrative skills while working with a fantastic team.
As part of the youth team, I participated in weekly meetings covering various aspects of youth work and assisted with projects and group sessions involving young adults. Gaining insight into every dimension of youth work at ESTEEM wouldn’t have been possible without the staff team’s warmth and hospitality. Their welcoming nature made it easy for me to ask questions, feel respected, and grow in confidence – both professionally and personally.
Of course, the highlight of my time was working with the young adults. Their diverse experiences were both inspiring and enlightening. ESTEEM’s inclusive approach ensures that every individual’s uniqueness is valued, fostering an environment where different perspectives are celebrated.
All in all, working at ESTEEM was a wonderful experience, and everyone played a part in making me feel as though I’d been part of the team for much longer than just a couple of months. On several occasions, I joked that my future work experiences might feel like a step down after ESTEEM. While I hope that’s not the case, I recognise that ESTEEM’s exceptional working environment is far from common. I want to reaffirm my gratitude for being so warmly welcomed and looked after during my time here.
Interested in volunteering with Esteem? See our volunteering and jobs board for upcoming opportunities.