A Day In The Life Of Activity Leader

Jane Hitchener

What does an Activity Leader do?

I work with Oakwood where I run media and printing sessions for both tenants and people who attend from the wider community. I support individuals to use computers and to surf the internet safely. We also run a printing business where we customise and print and sell items such as mugs, coasters and chopping boards so I support the group to fulfil our customer orders.

What do you enjoy most about working at The Rossendale Trust?

I really enjoy helping the group to learn new skills and develop independence. It’s so rewarding to see people going from not being able to switch a computer on, to using it independently.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day begins with setting up the media room for the first session which starts at 9.00 am. When people arrive, we decide together what they’d like to do with their time that day either in a media or printing session. I then help them to use the computers or run the printers to produce canvasses, stickers, t-shirts, posters and banners. I then run a second group in the afternoon.

What excites you the most about the work?

It’s really rewarding to have a group who are happy and enjoying the media sessions. It’s also great seeing them learning new skills and achieving and succeeding at new things. Media sessions also provide the people who attend a great opportunity to spend time with their friends and socialise.

Have you learned anything new since you started?

When we first started thinking about a printing business, we began with just an iron and some t-shirt transfers. Things have grown and grown and through fundraising we have managed to buy a big printer which has enabled us to produce a greater variety of products. I’ve learned a lot through the process and am now able to support the group to make mugs, coasters, canvasses and much more!

What would you say to someone who’s interested in applying to be an Activity Leader?

I’d say that the Trust is a great place to work and you will get all the support and training you need to be able to do your job. The role is thoroughly rewarding and it’s fantastic to be able to work with a group every day and watch them grow in skills, confidence and independence.

What piece of advice would you tell someone who has just started at Rossendale Trust?

It’s really important to make sure that those accessing the various activity sessions enjoy themselves, and at the same time, make sure that you’re enjoying it too!

What are you most proud of in your job?

When I first started running the media sessions, we only had a couple of computers that we could use. Now, we have our own purpose-built media Hub with touch screen computers, iPads, a Virtual Reality Headset and all the printing equipment to run our own printing business. I’m really proud of how far we’ve come and the opportunities that we are now able to offer!