The Communications Team has proudly been supporting local 16-year-old, Emily Shardlow, this summer - as she’s set her sights on becoming a journalist.

Emily, whose mum is Waiting List Co-ordinators Administrator, Andrea Brearley, is due to attend the Creative and Media Studio School in Huddersfield, this September. And over the past few weeks she’s spent some time each week shadowing the team to get some real hands-on experience.

Head of Communications, Amy Campbell, said: “Emily has been a joy to have working alongside us and it's been fantastic to have a young person's perspective on all things communications. She’s brought enthusiasm and new skills to our small team, and I’m confident she has a very bright future ahead of her.”

We asked Emily to tell us a little more about herself (and her mum!):

What made you want to do work experience here at CHFT? For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to go into some form of journalism as everyone has a story, and I wanted to be able to give people a voice to share theirs.

What have you got involved with so far in the CHFT Communications Team, and what has been your favourite thing so far? I've been included in taking photos for CHFT News stories, and even had a go at writing a couple of stories. I’ve also watched some filming and voiceovers take place. I've also been able to sit in on some media training. For me my favourite part of working in the Communications Team has been the chance to learn in a safe and helpful environment.

Have you thought about your career plans longer-term? In college I plan to take media, criminology and photography to help me achieve my goal of becoming a journalist.

What does your mum do? My mum works as a waiting list co-ordinators admin, meaning she books patients in for their operations.

Tell us something that people may be surprised to know about you and your mum. Every year we go to the Sidecar Revival Festival at Cadwell Park. Both of my parents used to be sidecar passengers and this year I got to have a taxi ride (a slower ride, not quite at race speed) and try being a passenger myself.

Mum, Andrea, said: “This has been an absolutely amazing opportunity for Emily, who has been welcomed into the team, and given an insight into this very busy role.  She has absolutely loved coming into work and been given tasks to do.  Not to mention super proud when her work has been published in CHFT News, or when her photos or writing have been used. 

“I personally can't thank the team enough for supporting and challenging Emily.  It has been wonderful as a Mum to see her confidence grow.  Thanks also to our volunteering team, for including Ems, very kind of you. What a wonderful way to start college than already having an insight into what she will be studying.”