Volunteering Services, Project Search and Ward 14 colleagues at HRI have worked together and given intern Muhammad Dar valuable experience to help secure his dream role as a housekeeper.

Muhammad originally joined CHFT through an internship with Project Search Calderdale. After his internship finished he applied for housekeeper vacancies, interviewing with Ward 14's Manager Emma Longden. Though unsuccessful, Emma wanted to give Muhammad more experience to equip him for future interviews. 

Emma reached out to Volunteering Services Lead Stevie Cheesman, who supported Muhammad with a Ward Helper volunteer placement on Ward 14 in September last year. Stevie said: "He was supported by the wonderful colleagues on the ward, including Patricia Morley (pictured) and Julia Clothier, where he gained relevant experience and developed his engagement skills centred around patient experience." 

Muhammad now works in a paid role as a Housekeeper on the Surgical Assessment Unit at HRI.

He said: "If it wasn't for this volunteering opportunity I would not have gained the skills and experience needed to get this job, I want to say a massive thanks to Stevie for supporting me as it's helped me so much."

Stevie said: "This truly is the definition of working together to get results with our One Culture of Care. Muhammad is a lovely young man who is eager to learn new things, be involved and help where possible. It was important to offer him this opportunity in self and professional development. It has increased his confidence and communication skills, which has been a pleasure to witness.

"Project Search is a phenomenal programme which supports individuals with Learning Disabilities. Through teamwork we are breaking down barriers to create equal opportunities with the pathways we have developed at CHFT, including Volunteer to Career, which continues to be a success and changes peoples lives."