Katie Harnett

Name: Katie Harnett
Club 21 Employer: Carers Link East Dunbartonshire
Degree Subject: Psychology
Year of Graduation: 2010

It is hard to summarise my summer placement at Carers Link East Dunbartonshire, as it has been one of the most valuable experiences in my university career so far. 

Carers Link East Dunbartonshire is a local organisation which provides care, information and support to informal carers.  Throughout the summer, I have been involved with Carers Call, a telephone support service offered to carers to provide a listening ear in both the good times and the bad times.  By taking part in this, I get the opportunity to get to know a small group of carers on a more personal basis and feel involved in their ongoing support. 

Throughout my placement, I was offered many opportunities to develop my skills in this field of work, in many respects beyond those which I would be able to gain during my university course.  This included a two day suicide intervention course which I completed in September.  During this course I was able to speak to a wide range of mental health professionals and find out more about their work, which has been invaluable in considering my options upon graduation. 

My placement at Carers Link East Dunbartonshire has not only given me the opportunity to broaden my network of contacts but has also provided me with great friendships. I have enjoyed working as part of a team which strives to achieve a common goal.  It has been hugely rewarding, so much so that I am staying on to volunteer one morning a week in term-time.  My Club 21 placement with Carers Link East Dunbartonshire has definitely been a positive insight into the world of work, and has increased my personal desire to work in the not-for-profit sector upon graduation.