My work experience

A piece written by a student following a week’s work experience with ArtCare in summer 2019.

I did work experience with ArtCare for a week in the summer and I really enjoyed my time there. I was given the chance to get to know the hospital and be involved in lots of different activities, so I think it was a very valuable opportunity.

First of all, I was able to participate in a huge range of tasks. For example, I looked through photographs, read stories and saw many other interesting resources from Salisbury Hospital during World War 1 and World War 2. This surprised me as I did not expect to get to learn about the history of the hospital; this added local knowledge to my GSCE history learning. In addition, I was involved in many creative activities, like fine art (designing covers for the art packs, pictured above, and painting on bunting) and music (watching performers in the Elevate programme). This meant that I got a lot of experience working in a large variety of different areas, and every day there was something new to try.

Along with the creative and historical activities, I go to see a lot of the hospital through the Elevate programme and collecting in paintings for an exhibition. I was able to get an idea of the general layout of the hospital and see the inside of a ward. This allowed me to gain a better understanding of the way hospitals are organised and what the atmosphere inside the wards is like. I could also see how important ArtCare is in improving the hospital. The art on the walls really makes the place feel less hostile and intimidating, which hospitals often seem to be. The gardens and musical events cheered the patients up a lot.

From my week in ArtCare, I have gained an increased understanding of the workings of hospitals and in particular the importance of the creative arts and history within them. I experienced work in many different fields and my knowledge of a working environment, along with my confidence in being in a working environment, has grown considerably.

Overall, I would strongly recommend considering a placement with ArtCare. It has been a fantastic opportunity to learn and help within Salisbury District Hospital. I have had a lot of fun and I got a lot out of my week with the ArtCare department.