Meet our intern Jannah!
How did you find out about the internship at Healthwatch Tower Hamlets?
I found out about the internship through CEA CAPA Education Abroad, which helped set up the opportunity. I had been looking for an internship in a non-profit organization, particularly one that focused on research, social work, and health. Those were the areas that I felt passionate about and wanted to gain experience from. Healthwatch Tower Hamlets aligned perfectly with my interests, offering a chance to work in a meaningful role that addressed community health and social care issues. It also provided a great introduction to the industry, allowing me to learn and immerse myself in this field from the beginning.
What kind of things did you learn during your internship?
Throughout my internship, I gained valuable skills in communication, project management, and research. I learned how to design surveys using SmartSurvey, engage with local organizations to promote health initiatives, and write detailed reports like the Enter & View report. I also developed my graphic design skills, creating posters and social media content, newsletters, and I got hands-on experience in events that engage diverse communities. Additionally, I learned about the issues of health and social care services from gathering feedback from the public, reading reports and working on projects that directly impact the community.
Did the internship improve your learning/confidence or knowledge in a specific area?
Yes, this internship significantly boosted my confidence in professional communication, project management, and health-related research. It also deepened my understanding of health and social care services, particularly in how local organizations, such as Healthwatch, work with marginalized communities. I became more comfortable managing tasks independently and became more proactive in my approach to work. This experience has also given me a better understanding of the importance of community engagement and inclusivity in shaping healthcare services.
What did you enjoy the most about the internship?
What I enjoyed the most about my internship at Healthwatch Tower Hamlets was the diversity of tasks and responsibilities I was entrusted with. Each day brought something new and challenging, from writing reports and managing data entry, to designing posters and overseeing social media content. This variety kept me engaged and allowed me to develop a wide range of skills. I especially enjoyed the opportunity to work on projects that had a direct impact on the community, knowing that my contributions were helping improve local health and social care services. The team at Healthwatch Tower Hamlets was incredibly supportive, and it was clear that my work was valued, which made the experience feel meaningful and fulfilling.
Additionally, I had the chance to attend several community events, where I got to interact with people from other organizations dedicated to improving public wellbeing. This allowed me to expand my professional network while learning from others in the field. Another aspect I truly appreciated was the diversity within the team itself. The team members came from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, which not only enriched the work environment but also helped ensure that the perspectives and voices of a diverse community were reflected in our work. The overall working environment was incredibly
supportive, which created a space where I felt comfortable and motivated to contribute my best work.
Has working with Healthwatch changed how you view health and social care services?
Yes, definitely. Before my internship, I had a general understanding of health and social care services through my Sociology studies. However, my knowledge was mostly based on the context of my home country or the US, so I initially faced some challenges understanding the UK system.
Working with Healthwatch Tower Hamlets gave me an invaluable insider perspective, which also complemented my academic work, especially in modules like Social Policy. I learned how vital it is to gather feedback directly from the community to improve services and ensure they meet the needs of diverse populations. This experience also deepened my understanding of the importance of inclusivity, highlighting that the voices of marginalized groups, such as ethnic minorities and low-income families, must be prioritized when shaping health and social care policies.
