Melissa Walker

Experience

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  South Moor Young People's Club

  Jun 2017 - May 2018

  Child And Youth Worker

  I volunteered at a youth club, setting up and running activities, ranging from arts and crafts to sports. Within this time, I also took part in the Ageless Project inviting the elderly from the surrounding area, to the youth club, to help them feel less isolated and additionally teach each other (young and older) our thoughts and outlooks on life. This project was extremely enlightening and helped me not to take things for granted, whilst also gaining an appreciation for other people's world view and life experiences. Show less

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  North Durham Academy

  Oct 2018 - Apr 2019

  Teaching Assistant (Secondary)

  Whilst in Sixth Form, I volunteered as a teaching assistant in a secondary school, teaching music. I shadowed the class teacher, learning the valuable skill of how to teach, as well as helping some Year 11 students 1:1 with their coursework. Furthermore, I single-handedly ran a successful choir for Year 7-9 students during the Christmas period.

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  Integrating Children and Young People

  Mar 2019 - now

  Support Worker

  Within this role, I support children and young people from age 5 - 30+ with various SEN and disabilities. Not only does this service provide restbite for the families of service users, but it also provides a safe space for them to come and be social with their friends, which they may not have access to without us. We encourage independence when possible, while always offering support when needed, in order for our service users to gain confidence in public and social settings. Some of these settings include (but are certainly not limited to) swimming, bowling and theme parks. We also provide activities for our service users to follow their passions, such as digital arts but in my experience, most notably a music group. I have worked with this group for four years and in that time, my most memorable experience was supporting our young people perform at the Sage, Gateshead, singing songs that they have written themselves, as well as covers. This job has provided me with excellent communication skills, empathy and patience and also a passion and joy in helping others grow. Show less

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  EMBRACING CARE

  Dec 2020 - May 2021

  Support Worker

  Working with older adults with a range of needs, I administered medication, helped with personal care and, above all, ensured all the service users under my care felt safe, looked after and understood.

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  Hempland Kids Club

  Jun 2023 - now

  Play Worker

  In this role, I look after primary school and early years children in an after school club setting, providing a safe and inquisitive space for children to learn through the art of playing. We work around the current curriculum but with the intention to keep things fun, so that that children may not realise they are learning.