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Some background information on my placement location - TURF

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Some background information on my placement location - TURF

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TURF Neighbourhood Hub, based in Cardonald, offers a variety of groups catering to a wide age range, from primary 5 children to a pensioners club for older adults. The hub’s diverse programs foster community engagement and provide a supportive environment for all ages. Many of the practitioners at TURF are CLD (Community Learning and Development) qualified, which ensures that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively support, myself on placement and the community. This experience has been invaluable in my Community Education degree, as it offers practical insights into working with different age groups and understanding the impact of community-based learning.

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One of our young people enjoying a night at our P5-7 youth club!

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The primary 5's enjoying their pizza wrap making!

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Reflective Account 1                                                  (Pizza Wrap Session🍕)

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Reflective Account 1                                                  (Pizza Wrap Session🍕)

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I had the opportunity to conduct a pizza wrap session with both our P5-7 youth club and our S1-6 drop-in class. I chose this activity because it’s a fun and easy snack that I personally enjoy making, and I thought the girls would find it both enjoyable and engaging. The session involved everyone working together to create their own personalized wrap, where they could choose their toppings and assemble their wraps in a creative and interactive way.

The community, learning and development value of inclusion was central to the session, as I made sure to create an environment where all participants felt welcomed, regardless of their prior experience or abilities in cooking. I encouraged open communication, where the young people could give ideas, ask for help, and share preferences for their wraps. I made sure to encourage each of the girls along the way. By ensuring that no one felt left out and that everyone had a voice in the process, I reinforced the importance of creating a space where everyone can engage and contribute, no matter their background or skills.

However, during the activity, a disagreement arose between two of the young girls. One of the girls had started to put a generous amount of cheese on her wrap, which she loved, while another girl, who was sitting next to her, expressed annoyance, claiming that her cheese was taking up too much space on the table, preventing her from putting enough of her favourite toppings on. The argument escalated quickly, with both girls starting to raise their voices, and other participants looking unsure of how to react.

I believe this disagreement occurred for a few reasons. First, the environment was one of personal choice and creativity, which can sometimes lead to individuals becoming very protective of their space and decisions. One of the girls was excited about her wrap and didn’t realize how much space she was taking up, while the other, perhaps feeling more territorial about her space or less assertive earlier on, may have felt frustrated when she couldn’t add everything she wanted to her wrap. There was also a possibility that both girls had different expectations of what the session would be, one focused on sharing and collaborating, and the other on making the “perfect” wrap for herself.

To resolve the conflict, I approached the girls calmly and asked them to step aside for a moment to talk. I gently reminded them of the importance of respect for each other’s personal space, especially in a group activity where everyone’s preferences need to be considered. I also encouraged them to communicate more openly about what they needed and to find a solution together. One of the girls was initially defensive, but once I explained how the other girl felt, she understood that her excitement had unintentionally created tension. I then asked both girls to apologize to each other, and we agreed that they could both use the table space more collaboratively by organizing the toppings together. This allowed them both to have what they needed while maintaining a sense of cooperation.

The outcome was positive. The girls reconciled, and the group atmosphere returned to one of enjoyment. They both seemed to feel more at ease after their discussion and were able to continue making their wraps. The incident also served as a reminder for me of how important it is to ensure that everyone feels heard and respected, especially in an activity that encourages personal expression.

As a facilitator, I felt proud of how the situation was handled. It was a moment of learning for both me and the young people. On reflection, I felt that the situation highlighted the importance of creating space for communication and conflict resolution in group activities. It also showed me that when disagreements arise, it’s essential to address the emotions behind the conflict and not just the surface issue. I was glad to see that the young girls learned to listen to each other and work together in the end.

From different perspectives, one girl may have felt frustrated because she didn’t feel heard or respected, as she didn’t want to confront the other girl directly. From the other girls perspective, she might have felt caught off guard and a little misunderstood, as she didn’t intend to cause any issues with the amount of cheese. The other participants likely saw the situation as a bit uncomfortable at first but were reassured when the girls worked it out. As a whole, I think it helped everyone recognize how important communication and empathy are in shared spaces, when involved in a group activity.

This activity, despite the brief tension, reinforced the value of inclusion and learning through experience. It was a reminder that even in fun and light-hearted environments, challenges can arise, but they also provide an opportunity to practice collaboration, problem-solving, and respect for others. By ensuring everyone’s voice was heard, the session created not only a space for creativity and fun but also for personal growth and deeper understanding of one another.

From this experience, I’ve learned the importance of setting clear expectations and creating an environment where communication is open and respectful. The disagreement between Emma and Sarah showed me how small frustrations can escalate when needs aren't acknowledged. Next time, I’ll be more proactive by setting guidelines at the start, ensuring everyone knows to respect each other's space, and checking in with the group more regularly. I could also assign specific roles to encourage collaboration and prevent conflicts. Additionally, I’d create opportunities for participants to express concerns early on and involve the group in resolving issues to foster problem-solving skills and strengthen the sense of community. Overall, this experience reminded me of the value of clear communication and active conflict resolution in ensuring everyone feels included and heard.

Reflecting on this experience using Gibbs' Reflective Cycle, I can see how each stage of the cycle helped me process the situation and improve my practice as a facilitator. In the description stage, I recalled the activity and the conflict between the girls. During the feelings stage, I considered my initial reactions—feeling a bit uncomfortable but also determined to handle the situation calmly. In the evaluation, I recognized that the disagreement, though challenging, highlighted areas where I could improve communication and conflict management. The analysis made me realize how personal space and individual expectations can clash in group settings. When I moved into the conclusion, I understood that clear guidelines and regular check-ins would help prevent similar issues in the future. Finally, the action plan involved applying these lessons in future sessions, focusing on proactive communication and conflict resolution strategies. This experience, framed within Gibbs' Cycle, helped me not only resolve the immediate issue but also reflect on how to facilitate more inclusive and collaborative activities moving forward.

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Letting loose and having fun with Just Dance at Turf!💃🕺🎶

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Letting loose and having fun with Just Dance at Turf!💃🕺🎶

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This activity promotes creativity, and physical activity, perfectly aligning with CLD values of empowering young people and fostering a sense of community among the kids.

At Turf, we encourage the children to stay active through fun and engaging activities, one of which is Just Dance. This interactive dance game allows the kids to follow along with popular songs and dance routines, promoting physical activity in an enjoyable way. By incorporating music and movement, Just Dance makes exercise feel more like a game than a workout, which keeps the children motivated and excited to participate. It’s a great way to not only keep them moving but also boost their confidence, coordination, and teamwork as they join in the group challenges. Through this activity, we aim to make staying active fun, helping the children build healthy habits in a supportive environment.

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The young people and some volunteers enjoying some Just Dance fun!

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These amazing girls stole the spotlight at our Primary 5-7 Karaoke Night, showing off their incredible talent and confidence!

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A personalised keyring the young people made for me!

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The heart keyrings created by the children at TURF were a beautiful reflection of the spirit of kindness. Each keyring, crafted with care, symbolized a small act of love and connection. This project tied perfectly with Random Act of Kindness Day, as it encouraged the children to spread positivity and goodwill by sharing these heartfelt creations with others. The keyrings were explained to the children as tokens of appreciation, reminding everyone that even the simplest gestures can brighten someone's day. I felt extremely welcomed by the young people after them making me this and I looked forward to the next few months I would spend with them.

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Values of a Competent CLD Practitioner which I have applied during my practice learning. 

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Values of a Competent CLD Practitioner which I have applied during my practice learning. 

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Reflective Account 2                                                   (Quiz Night🧠)

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Reflective Account 2                                                   (Quiz Night🧠)

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I had the opportunity to host a quiz for a group of young people, which proved to be both an enjoyable and educational experience. One of the key elements I focused on was incorporating questions that the young people could relate to and would be able to answer confidently, allowing them to engage in the activity more fully.

Upon reflection I have noticed how my quiz aligned with the CLD values of empowerment and self-determination. By carefully selecting questions that reflected the young people’s interests, such as popular culture, local knowledge, and current events, I ensured that everyone could contribute their knowledge. This not only built their confidence but also fostered a sense of empowerment. The young people were encouraged to take ownership of their answers and decisions, empowering them to trust their abilities and participate actively. Additionally, allowing the teams to collaborate and make their own decisions about how to approach the quiz promoted a sense of ownership over the process. They were not only answering questions but were also making decisions as a group on how to best use their collective knowledge. This fosters a sense of responsibility and confidence in their ability to contribute, which is a key aspect of self-determination.

This approach seemed to work well at the start, as participants were excited to contribute and work together. However, during the quiz, I noticed that some of the teenage boys began making inappropriate comments and engaging in disruptive behaviour towards the other team. This was particularly concerning as it created a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere. A few individuals mocked the other team's answers and made sarcastic remarks, which began to undermine the spirit of fun and cooperation I was aiming for. I think this behaviour occurred because of the highly competitive environment and possibly because some participants were feeling the pressure of performing well or trying to assert dominance in a way that belittled others. It also seemed that the focus had shifted from having fun to 'winning at all costs.'

To address this situation, I had to take a different approach to what I did with the younger children on pizza night. I calmly intervened and gathered the group’s attention. I reminded them of the importance of respect and how we were there to enjoy the quiz together, not to put others down. I explained that while friendly competition was welcome, inappropriate comments and behaviour were not acceptable, as they could negatively affect the experience for everyone. I then encouraged the individuals involved to play fair and with a bit more maturity, which they did, and we continued the quiz with a renewed focus on inclusivity and mutual respect.

Once the situation was addressed, the atmosphere lightened, and the group returned to a more supportive and fun vibe. The teams continued working together, and I noticed that the inappropriate behaviour stopped, with participants showing more respect toward one another. This experience was a reminder of how quickly things can go off track when the emphasis is placed solely on winning, and how important it is to address conflicts promptly to maintain a positive environment.

Reflecting on how I felt during the situation, I was initially frustrated and concerned that the behaviour was undermining the positive atmosphere I had worked to create. However, I also felt that it was an important opportunity to reinforce the values of respect, inclusion, and positive competition. I recognized that addressing the issue quickly helped restore balance and allowed the quiz to return to its intended purpose of fun and learning.

From different perspectives, the individuals making the inappropriate comments might have felt that their behaviour was just playful banter or part of the competitive spirit. They may not have realized how their words were affecting the other team. On the other hand, the team being targeted likely felt uncomfortable and disrespected, which could have taken away from their enjoyment of the quiz. Other participants probably saw the situation as awkward, but the quick resolution might have reassured them that such behaviour wouldn’t be tolerated.

Upon reflection, this situation reinforced the importance of setting clear expectations at the start of an activity, not just about the rules of the game, but also about behaviour and respect. Moving forward, I would consider setting ground rules for behaviour at the beginning of similar activities, ensuring that everyone understands the importance of maintaining a respectful environment. I would also reinforce that the quiz or competition is about enjoyment, learning, and collaboration, rather than just winning.

I applied Gibbs' Reflective Cycle to help me think through the experience and improve my approach. In the description phase, I recalled the quiz and the issue of inappropriate behaviour that disrupted the session. When reflecting on my feelings, I recognized my initial frustration and concern over how the situation was affecting the atmosphere, but also realized that it provided an important opportunity to address the behaviour. In the evaluation stage, I acknowledged how the negative behaviour impacted the energy of the group, but also noted how quickly things improved once I intervened. During analysis, I considered how the competitive nature of the quiz might have contributed to the tension, and I recognized the importance of managing both the behaviour and emotions within the group. In the conclusion, I realized that setting clear guidelines from the start would help prevent similar issues. Finally, my action plan involves creating clear expectations for behaviour and communication in future activities to ensure a respectful and inclusive environment. Reflecting with Gibbs' Cycle helped me gain insight into the situation and provided me with strategies for handling similar challenges in the future.

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Some of the older girls from the teen club enjoying my pizza wrap session!

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Here are some fun decorations I printed for the pizza making sessions with the young people. 

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One of the reflective methods I incorporated into my reflective accounts. 

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Another theoretical approach I used to reflect in my accounts. 

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Reflective Account 3                                                    (The Human Slingshot🪃)

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Reflective Account 3                                                    (The Human Slingshot🪃)

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During this session, we used a human slingshot as a visual representation of coordination and teamwork. In this activity, each person plays an essential role in ensuring the slingshot works effectively. Just like the elastic band of a slingshot, if any individual doesn't contribute or support the others, the entire structure will collapse. This highlights the importance of working collaboratively, a core CLD value, as success relies on everyone working together and supporting each other. When each participant is engaged and contributes, we can achieve more, just as the slingshot will perform its intended function. It’s a powerful reminder that, to thrive together, we must rely on each other’s strengths and efforts. The teenagers found the human slingshot activity incredibly fun, as it challenged them to work together in a creative and energetic way, all while laughing and supporting each other.

During one of our human slingshot activities, I made the decision to briefly step away while the young people continued with the task on their own. Initially, they were working together in a cooperative and fun way, but after a few minutes, things took an unexpected turn. Without supervision, they started to get overly excited and began experimenting with the slingshot in risky ways, such as pulling the elastic band too far or attempting to launch each other inside it. As this escalated, I noticed one of the participants nearly lost their balance as the human slingshot snapped back unexpectedly. It was clear that what had started as a fun and engaging activity had shifted into a more irresponsible and dangerous game.

I believe this happened because the young people were just excited about the activity and without guidance, they pushed the boundaries of what was a safe way to use the slingshot. They might have thought they were being adventurous, but they didn’t fully understand the potential risks involved. Additionally, there was a lack of understanding on how to maintain the activity responsibly, and I should have ensured more consistent supervision and set clearer boundaries.

I tried to resolve the situation, I reminded them of the safety rules and the importance of respecting each other’s well-being. I gathered them together, calmly explained the potential consequences of their actions, and re-emphasized the spirit of the activity. I also tried to enforce how teamwork and following the guidelines were essential for everyone to stay safe and have fun at the same time.

Unfortunately, despite my interference, the atmosphere had already been tainted, and the group seemed less engaged and more wary of returning to the activity. Some of them felt embarrassed or frustrated by the disruption, and it was clear that trust in the activity had been damaged.

The outcome left me feeling disappointed and frustrated. I had hoped to provide a fun and engaging experience, while also trying to teach the young people the hidden message behind the human slingshot, but instead, the situation served as a reminder of how easily things can go wrong when boundaries are not maintained. I felt a sense of regret for not providing more structure during the activity and for stepping away without ensuring the game was supervised.

On one hand, the young people may have seen their actions as part of the excitement, not fully grasping the risks they were taking. On the other hand, I saw their behaviour as a failure to respect the guidelines and safety rules, which left me feeling concerned for their well-being. The situation showed me that, even in fun activities and when working with older children, the responsibility to ensure safety is my responsibility, and the consequences of not managing this can lead to putting the young people at risk.

I used Donald Schön's Reflective Model by engaging in both reflection-in-action during the incident, quickly addressing the unsafe behaviour as it occurred, and reflection-on-action afterward, analysing how my decision to step away led to this negative outcome and how I could improve my approach in future activities.

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A young person from the S1-6 club with her finished results!

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This activity of making empire biscuits encouraged the girls to work collaboratively, promoting teamwork, communication, and mutual respect which are core CLD values that support inclusive and empowering group learning experiences.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed working collaboratively while making their own DIY Empire biscuits, and getting creative with different designs and decorations. It was a great experience that allowed them to express their creativity while bonding over the shared activity, and they all felt a sense of pride in the delicious biscuits they made by themselves.

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The Young Leader's and I trialling the Human Slingshot activity for the young people. 

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The children playing a club favourite game of, Sing it to Win It. 

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"Sing it to win it" is originally a board game, however, myself and the volunteers at Turf found that we could turn this well loved board game into a group session and make it more interactive for the children.

To play the game, the children must think of a song that has a random word, which is displayed on the board and sing a few lines of this song.

The children love to show off their musical talents and pop knowledge in this game and always enjoy some friendly competition between each other.

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Reflective Account 4                                     (Mindfulness Week 🧘‍♂️)

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Reflective Account 4                                     (Mindfulness Week 🧘‍♂️)

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During mindfulness week, the children created their own bead designs, each letter on the design aligned with a different colour of bead and resulted in the created of a beaded illustration. This exercise allowed them to practice concentration and patience while promoting relaxation. By engaging in this interactive project, the children learned how small, mindful actions can help them take control of their thoughts and emotions, reinforcing the importance of slowing down and being self-aware.

While most of the children were excited and enjoying themselves, one child with Additional Support Needs (ASN) became extremely frustrated and began crying during the activity. It became apparent to me that they were struggling to complete the task, feeling overwhelmed by the concentration required in the bead design. I believe this happened because the task demanded a level skills and patience that the child found difficult to manage, leading to feelings of frustration and possibly a sense of inadequacy. I suggested a simpler design for the child with larger beads and a bigger illustration, giving them the opportunity to still participate while reducing the pressure. Gradually, the child calmed down, and with some positive encouragement, they managed to complete their design. The mood in the group shifted, and the child seemed to feel more at ease, regaining confidence in their ability to participate.

Reflecting on the event, I feel that it was a crucial learning moment for me as a facilitator. I realized the importance of being flexible and adjusting activities to accommodate the individual needs of all participants, especially those with ASN. I also learned that sometimes, the frustration that arises in such situations is not just about the task at hand but about deeper feelings of overwhelm or exclusion. In this case, by adjusting the task and providing a more supportive environment, I was able to help the child re-engage in the activity, which reinforced the value of inclusion and also promoting learning as a life long activity.

The frustration and subsequent success in completing the task demonstrated how setbacks can lead to growth, a key principle in lifelong learning. It showed that with the right support, individuals can learn to manage challenges and develop coping strategies that are transferable to other situations in their lives. This aligns with the CLD value of promoting learning as a life long activity by emphasizing that learning is an ongoing process, and each experience, whether easy or difficult, contributes to personal growth and the development of lifelong skills.

From different perspectives, the situation might have been seen differently by others. The child, from their perspective, might have felt embarrassed or stressed about not being able to keep up with the task, potentially seeing it as a personal failure. From the group’s perspective, they might have been confused or concerned, but it also likely reinforced the importance of supporting one another in a group setting. For me as a facilitator, the experience highlighted how important it is to adapt to the needs of every child, ensuring that each person feels included and capable, regardless of their abilities. In the future, I would consider being more mindful of setting tasks that are universally accessible, offering alternative ways to participate, and ensuring that all children feel supported without feeling singled out. The experience also emphasized the value of creating a safe, non-judgmental space where children can express frustration and find a path forward with encouragement and empathy.

The experience with the child during the Mindfulness Week beaded design session has provided valuable insights that will directly impact future sessions. Moving forward, I’ll be more mindful of the varying needs and abilities of the participants, especially when it comes to children with Additional Support Needs (ASN). I will ensure that tasks are adaptable, offering alternative options for children who may find certain activities challenging, in order to prevent frustration. By creating an environment where all participants feel supported, I can foster a greater sense of inclusion and engagement for everyone. I will also focus on building activities that emphasize patience, resilience, and problem-solving, while also incorporating mindfulness techniques that help children manage stress and frustration in a productive way.

Reflecting on this experience using Donald Schön's reflective model, I moved through a cycle of reflection-on-action. After the incident occurred, I took the time to consider what happened and why the child became frustrated. I questioned what could have been done differently and identified areas where I could have made adjustments to the activity to better support the child in real-time. This allowed me to recognize that more careful planning and flexibility were needed to accommodate children with ASN during similar sessions in the future. I also engaged in reflection-in-action during the incident when I responded immediately by adjusting the activity and offering support. This moment of on-the-spot reflection helped de-escalate the situation and allowed the child to feel more comfortable and engaged.

In the future, I will use these insights to reflect both during and after sessions, ensuring that I create a more inclusive environment and provide opportunities for all participants to experience success, regardless of challenges they may face. This approach, influenced by Schön’s reflective model, will guide me in continuously improving my practice as I develop a deeper understanding of the needs of the children I work with.

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A witness statement on my professional development from my CLD placement supervisor - Josh Clarke.

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The coffee morning I hosted for the ladies, in order to get to know them all and have a chat with them about my time at Turf on placement. 

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The Neighbourhood Natter Pensioner's Drop In Session 👵 

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The Neighbourhood Natter Pensioner's Drop In Session 👵 

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Working with the neighbourhood natter group at Turf has provided me with a more integrated learning experience, allowing me to understand and engage with a diverse age group. It has broadened my perspective on how different generations connect, communicate, and learn together. This experience has helped me develop stronger interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in adapting activities to meet the needs of older participants. In the future, this will benefit me by enhancing my ability to work with wider communities, fostering inclusivity, and developing effective programs that cater to people of all ages. Working with different age ranges has also gave me an insight into what range of work I would like to progress in after university, therefore it has been great to have a taster of all ages.

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During my placement, I had the opportunity to engage in a child protection program, which provided me with essential knowledge and practical experience regarding safeguarding children and young people. I was trained on how to identify potential signs of abuse, understand relevant policies, and learn the correct procedures for reporting concerns. This program not only enhanced my understanding of child protection laws and ethics but also equipped me with the confidence to act appropriately and responsibly when handling sensitive situations.

This experience will have a significant impact on my future work, especially in community education and working with young people. It has reinforced the importance of creating safe and supportive environments where children feel protected and valued. Moving forward, I will be able to apply the knowledge gained to ensure that any programs or activities I facilitate are in line with safeguarding principles. This will help me to contribute to the well-being of all participants and ensure that I can respond effectively if any concerns arise, ultimately making me a more responsible and competent professional.

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I had the opportunity to help raise money for Turf by going around the local community and visiting local shops and schools with a donation bucket. I took the time to engage with people, explaining the valuable services we provide at TURF and how their contributions could support our programs. I made sure to share the impact our work has on the community, particularly on the youth and elderly groups we serve.

This highlighted the importance of community involvement in promoting programs like Turf, reinforcing the idea that when we work together, we can achieve more. Through this, I contributed to the financial support that helps maintain and grow the services we offer, ensuring that Turf continues to be a vital resource in the community.

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As a special treat for the Easter holidays, we organized an exciting trip to Laser Tag for the Primary 5-7 youth club! With over 50 members in the club, we divided the trip into two separate outings to ensure every child had the chance to join in on the fun. The children had an amazing time, and enjoyed a high-energy, interactive experience that was not only great fun but also completely free of charge. It was a fantastic way for everyone to enjoy the holidays together and create lasting memories!

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My time at Turf has not only been an incredibly valuable educational experience, but it’s also given me the chance to build genuine, lasting relationships with both staff and participants at the clubs. Through my own reflection, I believe I have grown so much personally and professionally, and I’m truly grateful for the supportive, welcoming environment I am part of. I’ve made friendships that I know will last far beyond this placement, and I’ve really enjoyed every moment of being involved in the amazing work Turf offers.