Social Work student Natalie has so enjoyed her internship with the Truro team that she plans to volunteer through her summer break.
Learning by doing
Natalie’s 55 days of practice-based learning has given her a real passion for working in the criminal justice sector. She’s in her second year of a degree in Social Work at the University of Plymouth and she now understands how everything slots together. She has learnt so much by coming alongside our clients and other professionals in the criminal justice system.
Supporting the most vulnerable
Natalie has grown in confidence and can now take the lead by calling clients, being an advocate, listening, and pinpointing what they need when they’re at their lowest ebb:
Recently, I’ve been able to help a gentleman who came to us in deep distress. This was a domestic abuse charge, and yet we could see that he was not a violent guy. He was extremely isolated, vulnerable and under a lot of stress with his wife. His learning difficulties didn’t help because he just couldn’t understand why his behaviour was wrong. Nobody had listened to him. He was incredibly lonely and needed someone to talk to. The pressure that he felt as sole carer was the cause of his arrest. We were able to get him and his partner to adult social care for vulnerable adults and advised him to speak to his GP.
When he returned for sentencing, he thanked me for showing him how he could sort himself out.
We’ve kept in touch. I’m relieved to say that he’s no longer suicidal and he’s enjoying his walks. He knows where to find us. It’s such a good feeling when you’re able to help someone in so much need.
Understanding why someone finds themselves at court
You always hear stuff in the news about crimes, but here at CASS+, you start to understand what has led people to this point.
Preventing re-offending
This is the reason I want to be a social worker. I will be qualified in a year’s time. I would very much like to prevent re-offending in some way. I’ve really enjoyed working with so many different types of people who come through the CASS+ door. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.
Natalie has loved this work so much that she is now giving her time, skills, and extensive knowledge and experience as a volunteer throughout her summer vacation. Find out more about volunteering with CASS+ here.
