Previous Bridges Project client returns to complete Practice Based Learning

When Nicole Smith had to complete 30 hours of Practice Based Learning for her Primary Teaching degree, she decided to give back to the charity that helped her in the past.

Nicole is in her first year of her degree at Queen Margaret University and the choice to undertake her first work experience at Bridges Project was a natural one for the student.

“When I was younger, I received support from Bridges Project myself so I wanted to give back to other young people who might need it,” said Nicole.

The prospective teacher started her placement at Bogpark Road in November 2022, initiallly helping out with Bridges Project’s Christmas group activities. Since then, she has been a valued co-facilitator of the Arts & Crafts Group. She has been delivering this group with her almost namesake, Groups Support Worker Nicola Melvin.

Through the Arts & Crafts Group, Nicole has helped young people reduce their anxiety and social isolation, improve their confidence and engage with other young people through therapeutic arts and crafts activities.

She has found the experience both interesting and rewarding.

“It has been really interesting seeing young people come in and grow. It’s great to see young people develop and to be able to give them support,” said the Primary Teaching student.

Nicole also feels that she has taken a lot away from the experience herself.

“I now feel more confident in speaking to young people and in knowing how to engage with young people. Working with the Arts & Crafts Group has enabled me to get better at evaluating situations and learning how to approach people who might be a bit more reluctant to engage. I will certainly be doing a lot of that in the future so this is good practice!” she said.

The student’s contribution has also been highly beneficial for Bridges Project.

“It has been very valuable. Nicole’s contribution to the group and to the young people has been great. She has a natural way of working with young people, connected well with everyone and built a great rapport with young people. She is proactive and a lovely person to work with,” said Nicola, who is delivering the Arts & Crafts Group as part of the East Lothian Council funded Homemaker Service.

In addition to her creative interest and knowledge and friendly personality, Nicola talks highly of Nicole’s role as a co-facilitator.

“After just a few weeks, it felt like we were genuinely running the sessions together. This co-facilitation had many benefits as we picked up on different things, which helped us to discuss ideas and evaluate. It gave us a better insight into the group’s thoughts and it was generally just great to bounce ideas off each other!” said the Groups Support Worker.

After nearly half a year, Nicole’s Practice Based Learning at Bridges Project has come to an end and it has clearly left a positive mark on the Primary Teaching student:

“I have really enjoyed it and will miss coming in!”