Who am I?
Hi! I’m Zara, I’m 21 and I’m currently a student at the University of Bristol, studying Childhood Studies. As a part of our Work and Work Placement Unit I got teamed up with Flamingo Chicks to volunteer with the team, and it has been nothing short of brilliant!
What have I been involved in?
Unfortunately, my work placement fell during Covid-19 so, despite being with Flamingo Chicks for about 8 months, I’ve never actually met any of the team or the children in person! This was such a worry for me when I first found out, but fortunately the team at Flamingo Chicks SO quickly made me feel like one of them through phone calls, Zooms and afternoon teas over video! I don’t think I’ve ever felt so involved, welcomed or cared for within a work environment as I have with Flamingo Chicks.
I’ve had the pleasure of working closely alongside Bethan Guest and Lucy James and myself and a friend from university, who is also a volunteering with Flamingo Chicks, have helped work on a variety of exciting projects such as May 100 and expanding the diversity of the team.
How much fun have I had?
Honestly I can’t put into words how much fun I’ve had, particularly in dance classes! The environment working with the children, even over Zoom, has been fantastic as the energy from the teachers and the engagement from the children collided and gave me the happiest 45 minutes in a class! The smiles on the children’s faces as they learn new dance moves from home, in school or in their hospice, are invaluable. You can really see what a difference these classes make to their lives as they have fun with their friends, get to have a boogie and even get their siblings and parents involved!
What have I learnt?
I have come away with not only so much more knowledge on teaching and the work that goes on behind the scenes at a fantastic charity such as Flamingo Chicks but also with a total sense of hope that fun and joy can be brought into people’s lives even in really difficult circumstances. I’ve learnt that you don’t need lots of props, equipment and costumes to have fun but that a little bit of music, fantastic company and toes or fingers that you can wiggle is more than enough!
With regards to my work placement and the knowledge that I have come away with, I would say the 3 main skills I have developed further are time management, communication and research skills.
Working independently on projects such as adding more diversity to the Flamingo Chicks team was so helpful for time management practice as it ensured that I allocated hours to work on it and from this I was able to develop communication and research skills through getting in touch with other charities and societies for example, which I know will be beneficial when I graduate in a year’s time and begin life in the ‘working world’!
Would I recommend volunteering and what tips would I have?
I think we all know that I would ABSOLUTELY recommend volunteering with Flamingo Chicks! Their work ethic, goals, aims and achievements are all admirable and their team is outstanding. I can safely say that if you decided to join their ‘flock’ you would instantly feel as though you are one of them and would feel supported, heard and looked after within your role at all times. And of course, their work strives to put smiles on children’s faces and to create an inclusive environment for them at all times and being a part of this is the greatest pleasure and joy that you will not regret!
Tip-wise, I only really have one, which is to get involved with as much as you can during your time with Flamingo Chicks! There are so many opportunities to be explored, brilliant people to meet and children’s lives to make a positive impact on and your time there will make more of a difference than you know.
When I was first told that I would be doing my work placement in a dance-centred environment I laughed and so did my friends as I’m definitely not known for my dance moves, and if I am it’s my bad ones! But please don’t let this put you off – you don’t need expertise in this area as a volunteer! Just jump into the experience head first and, you never know, you might leave with a ‘Pas de bourrée’ in the bag!
