My week with Step One Charity

Hi! My name is Zoe Godfrey, a student of BA Spanish and French at Exeter University. I was privileged enough to undertake an internship at Step One last week in the Marketing and Fundraising team, through the university’s Professional Pathways programme.

Alongside working with Isaac and Janet, I also met with a range of amazing individuals across the charity to learn about the work they do.

From the first day in the office, I was greeted with open doors and a wealth of friendly and motivated people. ‘Office’, however, could be the wrong word for the X Centre- I was struck by the uniqueness of this split-level space which not only homes the head office team, but also the BeWell support groups themselves. This collaboration, mutual friendliness and general lack of barriers between ‘office’ staff, and practitioners and service-users, felt very special. Not only is it motivating, but it fosters a real sense of community- the spirit of Step One itself.

Working with Isaac and Janet, I was given a thorough taste of fundraising, marketing and communications. Having had some experience in the marketing area before, it was interesting to see how this differs for a charity organisation, and how in a smaller team, their work is incredibly broad and very purpose driven. Every task is informed with the values of community and compassion that drive the charity, and incredibly thought out. During the week, I worked on a range of tasks, from social media and content production, to writing a fundraising grant application, getting a thorough taste of this sector. With the hopes to work in charity and development in the future, this was a great chance to learn!

I also attended some of the BeWell community support sessions, and met some lovely people there. From the moment I joined the online Creative Writing group, hosted by the lovely Chrissie and Dom, I noticed the safety and welcoming feel of the space. The atmosphere was warm, accessible, and free of judgement, and the encouragement to do whatever you felt comfortable with was very supportive.

I then attended the Wednesday craft group, which was not only a refreshing creative break (which we all need!) but again inspiring and uplifting. Chatting to the volunteers and participants and hearing them choose to tell their stories was a highlight of the week.

Throughout the placement, I have learnt so much more about how charities like this can operate and thrive, something which was facilitated by the conversations I had with people. I chatted to Hazel and Tom, who manage the BeWell programmes and volunteers, and got a real insight into how they deliver such impactful services. Meeting with Georgina and Emma, I learnt about the role of HR and working with people, and discussed with Derek, the CEO, what it’s like to head up the charity. And finally, a thank you to Janet and Isaac for getting me involved with so much of their marketing and creative work throughout the placement, and for making me feel so welcomed.

Looking back, this week has been enriching, valuable and inspiring. It can be hard to understand the work that goes into organisations such as Step One until you have had a taste of it yourself, and you can see how every task is done with intense purpose and care. From the mission and services that initially drew me to Step One, to having been able to contribute to their work, I am excited to carry what I have learnt this week far into the future. Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to have me!t

Written by Zoe Godfrey, University of Exeter Intern

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