Supported Intern Students Celebrate their Achievements!

Supported Interns from South Essex College Group (SECG) attended an event at Basildon hospital to celebrate their achievements as part of the Anchor Programme .

Supported Interns from South Essex College Group (SECG) attended an event at Basildon hospital to celebrate their achievements as part of the Anchor Programme run by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, South Essex College and Chelmsford College, in partnership with Essex County Council.

The supported internship scheme at SECG is aimed at students who have additional needs and are ready for the world of work.  

The Anchor programme has been going for two years and this year saw students from Basildon and Southend City College working at Basildon Hospital in a variety of roles. Students from Chelmsford College worked at Broomfield Hospital.

Charlotte Williams, Chief Strategy and Improvement Officer at the Trust, said: “We know that any investment in young people is an investment in our future, and the success of our interns just proves how true this is in mid and South Essex.”

Graduation certificates were handed out by Councillor John Spence CBE, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Integrated Care System at Essex County Council.

Cllr Spence, who is himself, blind, delivered an inspiring speech, telling the interns: “ I want to celebrate you for setting such a wonderful example as role models, you have run the race of life by jumping an extra hurdle. “It is wonderful to see a programme that allows you to gain a sense of independence and gives you the freedom to decide your future.”

Some of the graduates have already been offered jobs at the trust and recruitment is now taking place for next year’s programme.

SECG’s Supported Internship Team Leader, Lisa Bennet said:” This has been an inspiring day celebrating the success of our Supported Interns for all their hard work and achievements this year. Congratulations to you all and a big thank you to the Trust for hosting this wonderful event.”