Apprenticeship, Internship & Graduation Opportunities Embracing the Quays Housing Journey
#QuaysCulture
At #TeamQuays, our mission is to ignite a passion for learning and growth in the future generation. We aim to guide careers along uncharted paths, constructing a resilient landscape for those aspiring to thrive in this sector. We wholeheartedly encourage individuals to pursue their passions, striking the perfect equilibrium that amplifies their excellence in all endeavours.
Year after year, we welcome apprentices, interns, and graduates into our fold, infusing our enterprise with novel, dynamic concepts. Our search is for those who possess a genuine concern for ending homelessness and an unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact. We extend unwavering support and resources to empower your journey, regardless of your career stage.
Today, we introduce our newest interns, Victoria and Chloe.
Victoria, 18, and Chloe, 16, are currently enrolled in Health and Social Care studies at Loretto College in Manchester. They recently embarked on a one-week placement at our emergency housing scheme in Manchester. This facility offers temporary sanctuary to women and their children (up to 8 years old) affected by homelessness, providing both refuge and the necessary assistance to transition to permanent homes.
Our residents come to us from diverse backgrounds, each grappling with unique challenges such as domestic abuse, relationship breakdowns, and financial hardship. Every individual carries their own life experiences and requirements—no one-size-fits-all solution suffices. Often, they arrive with little to their name, necessitating our support to fulfill even the most fundamental needs: clothing, kitchen essentials, bedding, and toiletries. The scheme is staffed by two members on weekdays, with an additional security team during evenings. Due to the sensitive nature of our clients’ circumstances, privacy is paramount. We strive to create a tranquil and serene environment, providing an ideal backdrop for clients to rebuild their lives and surmount their past ordeals.
We extend a warm welcome to Victoria and Chloe.
We invite you to share your standout moments during your time at Quays Housing.
Victoria:
Upon our arrival, we delved into acquainting ourselves with the Quays team and understanding the residents’ needs. Our primary goal was to be of utmost utility and explore avenues to assist the hardworking staff. Given that Quays’ beneficiaries often arrive with little or nothing, and local authorities do not always offer support for basic necessities, reliance on donations becomes crucial. Our task involved organizing donations received from the Christmas Tree appeal to facilitate easy access for clients. We meticulously categorized items, creating a shopping-like experience to empower clients.
Chloe:
Our focus was to streamline the donations from the Christmas Tree appeal, making it convenient for clients to locate essentials. We aimed for comprehensiveness, categorizing items in a way that evoked a positive, empowering shopping experience. We realized that clients were uncomfortable with the notion of charity and were hesitant to access the donation area. To address this, we devised personalized care packages based on residents’ profiles. We distributed packages personally to those we could reach and left heartfelt notes for those we couldn’t. This approach fostered a more personal connection and receptiveness among clients.
Moreover, we managed to arrange for items to be dispatched to other facilities, ensuring donations served valuable purposes. It was immensely gratifying to collaborate with the Quays team, aligning donations with clients’ needs and making a tangible difference in their lives. Witnessing the modest conditions people are living in magnified the impact of donations and reinforced their significance.
What is the most significant insight you’ve gained from your time at Quays?
Victoria:
Engaging with residents, hearing their narratives, and gaining insight into their circumstances has been a profound experience. Witnessing the relentless dedication, motivation, and support provided by the Quays team on a daily basis has left an indelible impression. This experience has imbued me with a nonjudgmental outlook, promoting compassion and understanding for each individual’s distinct journey. I am steadfastly committed to pursuing a career in social care, and this experience has solidified my aspirations.
Chloe:
Drawing from my personal experiences, I’m driven to assist vulnerable individuals, aspiring to become a paramedic. Similar to Victoria, my most significant takeaway has been a firsthand understanding of the operational intricacies of facilities like Quays and the transformative impact we can have on people’s lives.
Kudos to Victoria and Chloe for their remarkable contributions.
We eagerly await your thoughts and feedback—join the conversation at #QCommunitymatters!
With love and utmost #Kindness,
#TeamQuays