It probably won’t sink in until next Thursday when I get to have a lie in, but I am now officially no longer a Poached Creative trainee. Initially, I’ll probably be grateful for the extra time in bed, but I assure you the feeling won’t last. I’ve enjoyed my time here, and to be honest, I’m going to miss it. The friendly people, the interesting work, the strange buzz I get these days from high-ish levels of responsibility... it’s a place I feel comfortable and somewhere I will always hold in high regard.
Anything you can do...
Inevitably, though, there are a couple of things I won’t miss much. One is the morning taxi ride to Wood Green. The reliability of the taxi firm I use only extends to a guarantee that each and every driver they employ will make an attempt to turn the journey in to a comedic farce. In my first week here, the driver took me to south London by mistake. And almost as if today’s driver had heard this was my last week and therefore his last chance to top that, decided to drive the wrong way down a one-way street.
Better late than never
This, along with the driver’s unwillingness to follow his sat-nav’s instructions, meant I was a little bit late arriving today. I still managed to complete some work for the Poached website, and in the afternoon have a meeting with Jess to discuss how the latter half of my stay had gone. As we went over my completed work, I realised I’d done considerably more than I remembered. This made me feel a lot better about my as-yet unfinished portfolio’s prospects.
Goodbye – at least for now
We agreed to keep in contact, which is superb news for me (you’ll have to ask Jess if she feels the same) because I’m sure Jess will prove an extremely useful person to know in the future. I was pleased – and flattered - to hear her say there may be an opportunity for me at Poached in the future, too.
A job well done
Overall, it’s been a rewarding, valuable, and pleasurable experience. When I reflect on the last 12 weeks, I can safely safe ‘mission accomplished.’ I have gained considerable knowledge, have new skills coming out of my ears, have something to add to my CV, and have plenty of evidence to show to prospective employers.
Finally, I have a goal in life
Although this mission may have accomplished, it’s only really a small part of a bigger project. So, with my heart and head both set on making it as a journalist of some description, I must embark on a new venture. I have decided to accept the offer of work in a capacity similar to my one at Poached with What’s up Information. After discussions with family and friends, I have come to the conclusion that it is another opportunity too good to miss. Lucy, who runs the website aimed at London’s youth, is currently on holiday so my knowledge of the logistics of the job are limited. From what I do know however, it sounds like an exciting chance to continue my journalistic development in an n interesting area of work.
Chill out time
My current situation, then, leaves me with some free time. I don’t think this is a bad thing – I have put a lot of effort in to my life recently and so perhaps it’s a break I deserve. When I do start up again, I have promised to continue this blog, as Jess and I both feel it could act as an inspiration to others considering a training course at Poached. Next time I post here, I will give you all the news of my new undertaking in Hackney. Fingers crossed, it will be as positive an experience as my time at Poached.
Thursday, 27 August 2009
Thursday, 20 August 2009
It’s one thing after another (in a good way)
This week was my 11th with Poached Creative – leaving just one more week until I have completed the further six weeks I agreed to after I finished the initial six week program, if that isn’t too confusing.
So, as I began my penultimate journey to Wood Green, I started to think ‘what’s next, then?’
Getting your foot in the door
This is a question I have asked myself several times since October last year. I didn’t feel overly concerned though. In this time, I have learnt that if you build up your list of contacts, show some commitment and determination, and keep your options open, opportunities have a habit of presenting themselves to you. My bedroom wall has a pretty impressive array of completion certificates from various courses, workshops, and, ahem, treatment centres; for this very reason.
New opportunity
I am delighted to say that the trend has continued. Jess met someone the other day who is interested in taking me on as a trainee. It sounds like the arrangement would be similar to the one I have with Poached – some work, some training, plenty of experience, and some great stuff for my CV.
I’ve still got it, apparently
The work is for a website called What's Up Information. It targets young Londoners, and aims to keep them informed about what’s going on in their area. It keeps young people up to date with things like training courses, as well as giving them suggestions on ways to use their spare time to develop new social interests. After being assured by Angela that at age 26 I am not too old for this kind of thing, I’ve decided to give it some serious thought. A chance to good to miss? Possibly, but I think it’s important to look at my options before just diving in.
Back to the work at hand
I have plenty of Poached work to keep me busy for now. I successfully completed another NHS Jobs website interview – and it has been deemed fit for publication! Not bad, considering a few weeks ago I convinced myself I was incapable of multitasking. I’m really excited about my work being displayed on the NHS site. I’m pleased just have work published – but for it to be on such a major website represents some achievement.
I have another interview to do this week – but it’s a little different. I’m going to be writing a profile for fellow Poached Creative trainee Dan. I’m hoping this won’t be too tricky, but it’s part of an important piece of Poached work so I’m not going to get complacent.
I couldn’t go a whole blog without mentioning CC, could I?
There’s quite a bit of Camden Calling work that needs finalising. The newsletter is due out soon, so I’m in the process of putting the finishing touches to that. This will be the first one written, edited, and distributed by me, so fingers crossed for a good response from it.
Ask me again in a week
Some important things to do to keep me occupied until my decision over my next venture, then. Explaining my present situation, I’ve been trying to avoid using the expression about one door closing and another one opening, but it really is the best way to describe this. Whatever I decide, I am extremely grateful to Jess for putting my name forward. Hopefully I’ll have an answer next week – and you’ll read it here first.
So, as I began my penultimate journey to Wood Green, I started to think ‘what’s next, then?’
Getting your foot in the door
This is a question I have asked myself several times since October last year. I didn’t feel overly concerned though. In this time, I have learnt that if you build up your list of contacts, show some commitment and determination, and keep your options open, opportunities have a habit of presenting themselves to you. My bedroom wall has a pretty impressive array of completion certificates from various courses, workshops, and, ahem, treatment centres; for this very reason.
New opportunity
I am delighted to say that the trend has continued. Jess met someone the other day who is interested in taking me on as a trainee. It sounds like the arrangement would be similar to the one I have with Poached – some work, some training, plenty of experience, and some great stuff for my CV.
I’ve still got it, apparently
The work is for a website called What's Up Information. It targets young Londoners, and aims to keep them informed about what’s going on in their area. It keeps young people up to date with things like training courses, as well as giving them suggestions on ways to use their spare time to develop new social interests. After being assured by Angela that at age 26 I am not too old for this kind of thing, I’ve decided to give it some serious thought. A chance to good to miss? Possibly, but I think it’s important to look at my options before just diving in.
Back to the work at hand
I have plenty of Poached work to keep me busy for now. I successfully completed another NHS Jobs website interview – and it has been deemed fit for publication! Not bad, considering a few weeks ago I convinced myself I was incapable of multitasking. I’m really excited about my work being displayed on the NHS site. I’m pleased just have work published – but for it to be on such a major website represents some achievement.
I have another interview to do this week – but it’s a little different. I’m going to be writing a profile for fellow Poached Creative trainee Dan. I’m hoping this won’t be too tricky, but it’s part of an important piece of Poached work so I’m not going to get complacent.
I couldn’t go a whole blog without mentioning CC, could I?
There’s quite a bit of Camden Calling work that needs finalising. The newsletter is due out soon, so I’m in the process of putting the finishing touches to that. This will be the first one written, edited, and distributed by me, so fingers crossed for a good response from it.
Ask me again in a week
Some important things to do to keep me occupied until my decision over my next venture, then. Explaining my present situation, I’ve been trying to avoid using the expression about one door closing and another one opening, but it really is the best way to describe this. Whatever I decide, I am extremely grateful to Jess for putting my name forward. Hopefully I’ll have an answer next week – and you’ll read it here first.
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Double figures
I have been at Poached for ten weeks now, and I have learnt a quite startling amount. I forget that sometimes. That’s why it’s important to take stock every so often. Otherwise, I lose track of the progress I’ve made, and don’t appreciate my achievements in the way I should.
A bit of perspective is needed
For instance, right now I’m worried the Camden Calling newsletter doesn’t look as good as it would do if I knew more about HTML and understood all the features of 1-2-3 hosting. Not so long ago, I‘d never even written for a newsletter, let alone designed and edited one. So when I put my problems in to perspective, they’re really not problems at all. I’m trying to look at them as inevitable, every-day, conquerable obstacles which come with responsibility. Or to put it another way – I’m trying to lighten up and be grateful.
Key skills
It’s not just work-related progress that has been made. Poached has helped me in many other ways – my self-discipline, organisation, and structure have all improved dramatically. These are essential, transferrable skills that come in very handy when doing more or less anything. The whole Poached experience has given me a real purpose and helped me figure out what I want to do in life.
Not just filling time
I am more fortunate than some others. To fill the gap between leaving rehab and working full-time, many people take volunteer jobs just for something to do. I am very lucky to have found something that is thought-provoking and interesting – and has more perks than just filling up space on a CV. I probably shouldn’t say all that out loud tomorrow though – I have a rehab reunion!
My latest new skill
A portion of today was spent learning how to create surveys using Survey Monkey. The first thing that struck me about the site was how ridiculously easy it is to use. Maybe it’s because last night I actually got an amount of sleep verging on sensible – a new record – but it seemed very user friendly.
The survey I created will be used to find out Camden Calling members’ opinions and tastes, and will hopefully be a useful piece of market research. There are a few questions on peoples’ opinion of my newsletter as well, so I’m bracing myself for that.
Normal to be a bit nervous
After a hard day at Poached, I usually try to take things easy on a Friday.
However, the aforementioned rehab reunion means I’m a little bit stressed. It will be good to see some old faces though, and I think that, in me, the staff will see a definite change for the better. Hopefully it will turn out to be one of those things that – like your Mum always promised - you enjoy when you get there.
A bit of perspective is needed
For instance, right now I’m worried the Camden Calling newsletter doesn’t look as good as it would do if I knew more about HTML and understood all the features of 1-2-3 hosting. Not so long ago, I‘d never even written for a newsletter, let alone designed and edited one. So when I put my problems in to perspective, they’re really not problems at all. I’m trying to look at them as inevitable, every-day, conquerable obstacles which come with responsibility. Or to put it another way – I’m trying to lighten up and be grateful.
Key skills
It’s not just work-related progress that has been made. Poached has helped me in many other ways – my self-discipline, organisation, and structure have all improved dramatically. These are essential, transferrable skills that come in very handy when doing more or less anything. The whole Poached experience has given me a real purpose and helped me figure out what I want to do in life.
Not just filling time
I am more fortunate than some others. To fill the gap between leaving rehab and working full-time, many people take volunteer jobs just for something to do. I am very lucky to have found something that is thought-provoking and interesting – and has more perks than just filling up space on a CV. I probably shouldn’t say all that out loud tomorrow though – I have a rehab reunion!
My latest new skill
A portion of today was spent learning how to create surveys using Survey Monkey. The first thing that struck me about the site was how ridiculously easy it is to use. Maybe it’s because last night I actually got an amount of sleep verging on sensible – a new record – but it seemed very user friendly.
The survey I created will be used to find out Camden Calling members’ opinions and tastes, and will hopefully be a useful piece of market research. There are a few questions on peoples’ opinion of my newsletter as well, so I’m bracing myself for that.
Normal to be a bit nervous
After a hard day at Poached, I usually try to take things easy on a Friday.
However, the aforementioned rehab reunion means I’m a little bit stressed. It will be good to see some old faces though, and I think that, in me, the staff will see a definite change for the better. Hopefully it will turn out to be one of those things that – like your Mum always promised - you enjoy when you get there.
Thursday, 6 August 2009
The payoff
Often, I agree to an assignment, start work on it, and then find myself asking ‘why did I agree to this?’ The NHS Jobs website task from last week is one such example. However, the feedback given to me today on completion of an interview and accompanying story for the site made me realise exactly why I agreed to it.
Proud moment
I have learnt many new things in my time here, but telephone interviewing (which I regard as a skill) was one of the toughest to get to grips with. My interviewee’s patience and willingness to talk openly without being prompted certainly helped, as did my new confidence in my own ability. The phone call only lasted twenty minutes, but the intensity of it left me exhausted and drained. Right now though, I have a real sense of accomplishment, and, dare I say it, pride at what I’ve achieved.
There may be hope!
My frustration at the lack of colour, life, and general merriment in the Camden Calling newsletter may soon be over...hopefully. Dan showed me some of his cartoon drawings today, and they are ridiculously good. How anyone can draw like that I will never know. I think his creative input could really raise the newsletter’s appeal, and I’m certain it couldn’t lower it. I’m not sure exactly where his pictures would be placed in the document, but right now I think anything that adds to its visual effect is a positive thing. This way people might actually read the whole thing – and I won’t feel as if half of the time I spend writing it is wasted!
CC ally
I get on well with Dan – which always helps when you’re stuck in a room together with no air-con for eight hours in the middle of summer. We’ve got a few things in common, which helps. We’ve been through similar(ish) circumstances, have a focused / determined streak, and don’t like AA or NA. And of course, it’s good to get the views of another CC member on how the newsletter should look.
Plenty more to do
My reward for doing such a good job with the last interview is to do another one – this time with the Chairman of the NHS’s PA. I’m confident I can do a decent job, as I’ve proved that I’m capable of interviewing by phone. Similarly, I think I will be able to successfully write another section for the Poached Creative website. Jess has asked me to write the ‘About us’ section for the forthcoming site, and I have already effectively contributed by writing the ‘Training’ section.
Improving prospects
The good thing about trying something for the first time is it gets easier from then onwards. Feeling a bit uncomfortable is just part of the process of learning something you’re not familiar with. It’s a wariness of the unknown and it’s instinctive. Overcome the fear and try something different, and usually it’s not as ghastly as you expected. Plus, by acquiring new skills you are of use to more people; hence your employability is increased.
Proud moment
I have learnt many new things in my time here, but telephone interviewing (which I regard as a skill) was one of the toughest to get to grips with. My interviewee’s patience and willingness to talk openly without being prompted certainly helped, as did my new confidence in my own ability. The phone call only lasted twenty minutes, but the intensity of it left me exhausted and drained. Right now though, I have a real sense of accomplishment, and, dare I say it, pride at what I’ve achieved.
There may be hope!
My frustration at the lack of colour, life, and general merriment in the Camden Calling newsletter may soon be over...hopefully. Dan showed me some of his cartoon drawings today, and they are ridiculously good. How anyone can draw like that I will never know. I think his creative input could really raise the newsletter’s appeal, and I’m certain it couldn’t lower it. I’m not sure exactly where his pictures would be placed in the document, but right now I think anything that adds to its visual effect is a positive thing. This way people might actually read the whole thing – and I won’t feel as if half of the time I spend writing it is wasted!
CC ally
I get on well with Dan – which always helps when you’re stuck in a room together with no air-con for eight hours in the middle of summer. We’ve got a few things in common, which helps. We’ve been through similar(ish) circumstances, have a focused / determined streak, and don’t like AA or NA. And of course, it’s good to get the views of another CC member on how the newsletter should look.
Plenty more to do
My reward for doing such a good job with the last interview is to do another one – this time with the Chairman of the NHS’s PA. I’m confident I can do a decent job, as I’ve proved that I’m capable of interviewing by phone. Similarly, I think I will be able to successfully write another section for the Poached Creative website. Jess has asked me to write the ‘About us’ section for the forthcoming site, and I have already effectively contributed by writing the ‘Training’ section.
Improving prospects
The good thing about trying something for the first time is it gets easier from then onwards. Feeling a bit uncomfortable is just part of the process of learning something you’re not familiar with. It’s a wariness of the unknown and it’s instinctive. Overcome the fear and try something different, and usually it’s not as ghastly as you expected. Plus, by acquiring new skills you are of use to more people; hence your employability is increased.
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Quality, not quantity
It’s been a productive – if a bit tiring – day today. A late night out last night meant I was a bit reluctant this morning, but it was worth the effort and I’ve arrived home with a brand new task to get my teeth in to.
New opportunity
The new challenge involves interviewing clients of the NHS Jobs website. The site covers all jobs available within the NHS, and claims to make searching and applying for jobs a simple task. To illustrate this point, the site carries numerous success stories told by past clients. My brief is to contact individuals who are willing to use their experience of the site as a case study to be published online.
Am I worrying about nothing?
This sounded fine to me, until it emerged I would interviewing the people by phone. I’ve never used this interviewing technique before, and I’m pretty much up for a challenge these days, but it still seems a little daunting. I have expressed concern for my ability to write, listen, and plan the next question all at the same time before. Now, it seems, my multitasking skills will truly be tested. I don’t know if it’s a male thing or not - I can only speak personally – but the thought of it unnerves me. It also involves persuading my housemates keeping quiet for longer than five minutes, and I’m genuinely not sure which will prove harder.
New recruits
As the pioneering Camden Calling / Poached Creative representative, I was pleased to see another Camden Calling member, Dan, join Poached today. CC’s resident graphic designer, he started a six week course today with a view to improving the quality of their art and design work. Another trainee, Michelle, also started the design course today. To be honest, I haven’t had a chance to speak to either of them yet, but it’s good to have new people on board!
Less is more
The feedback I received on the latest Camden Calling newsletter was very useful. Hints on style, sequence, and presentation are always of great use. The primary problem, though, was just as I suspected: it’s too long. But if I make it much shorter, how will I possibly cover everything? The answer to that is by being ruthless. Cut every unnecessary word possible. I can certainly see the logic in that. What I don’t get is why, time and time again at school, it was drummed in to my head that somehow ‘more is better.’
Come on... we all did it!
In their school days, I’m sure that, occasionally, everyone padded out work purely to meet some stupid minimum word or page limit. This is ridiculous – surely being concise is more of an art-form than producing elongated waffle filled with pointless joining words. The apparent correlation between number of words written and quality produced mystifies me.
With my rant over, it’s time for me to end this for another week. Anyway, I think I’ve just reached the word limit.
New opportunity
The new challenge involves interviewing clients of the NHS Jobs website. The site covers all jobs available within the NHS, and claims to make searching and applying for jobs a simple task. To illustrate this point, the site carries numerous success stories told by past clients. My brief is to contact individuals who are willing to use their experience of the site as a case study to be published online.
Am I worrying about nothing?
This sounded fine to me, until it emerged I would interviewing the people by phone. I’ve never used this interviewing technique before, and I’m pretty much up for a challenge these days, but it still seems a little daunting. I have expressed concern for my ability to write, listen, and plan the next question all at the same time before. Now, it seems, my multitasking skills will truly be tested. I don’t know if it’s a male thing or not - I can only speak personally – but the thought of it unnerves me. It also involves persuading my housemates keeping quiet for longer than five minutes, and I’m genuinely not sure which will prove harder.
New recruits
As the pioneering Camden Calling / Poached Creative representative, I was pleased to see another Camden Calling member, Dan, join Poached today. CC’s resident graphic designer, he started a six week course today with a view to improving the quality of their art and design work. Another trainee, Michelle, also started the design course today. To be honest, I haven’t had a chance to speak to either of them yet, but it’s good to have new people on board!
Less is more
The feedback I received on the latest Camden Calling newsletter was very useful. Hints on style, sequence, and presentation are always of great use. The primary problem, though, was just as I suspected: it’s too long. But if I make it much shorter, how will I possibly cover everything? The answer to that is by being ruthless. Cut every unnecessary word possible. I can certainly see the logic in that. What I don’t get is why, time and time again at school, it was drummed in to my head that somehow ‘more is better.’
Come on... we all did it!
In their school days, I’m sure that, occasionally, everyone padded out work purely to meet some stupid minimum word or page limit. This is ridiculous – surely being concise is more of an art-form than producing elongated waffle filled with pointless joining words. The apparent correlation between number of words written and quality produced mystifies me.
With my rant over, it’s time for me to end this for another week. Anyway, I think I’ve just reached the word limit.
Thursday, 23 July 2009
A little rusty... already?!
I was only away for a week, but the start of my second six weeks at Poached coincided with me forgetting how to string words together. It was a worrying hour or two, but sure enough by 11.00 I was back to normal and enjoying the fact I agreed to stay on. I was pleased by the news that Brij would also be staying on for a while, as we get on well and it would be sad to see him go.
My usual network problems
The morning was disrupted by various internet problems – mainly caused by my new Virgin connection - which doesn’t like me connecting to any other wireless networks. After finally triumphing over temperamental technology, the day was highly productive and certainly a success.
Marked improvement
I managed to all but complete a short article for a social enterprise magazine, and received some very complimentary feedback on it. I was particularly proud of this, as it’s quite rare for me to finish a piece of work in a working office environment. That sounds strange, I know, but I usually work best when I’m on my own, have no deadlines to meet, and feel that there is less pressure on me. I think the completion of this piece means I am more focused - and perhaps more confident in my own ability.
STOP PRESS: change of plan!
I expected to work on August’s Camden Calling press release at some point today. However, after some consultation with Jess, and Jess’ consultation with Alex, it was decided this would be put on hold. Although I had never thought about it before, I can understand Jess’ reasoning on this. A press release is supposed to alert the media about a big, important current event, and so is best used when you really have something to shout about. Sending one out at regular intervals means some of the time the content will not be particularly dramatic – and will not grab enough attention.
It gets easier (I hope)
The Camden Calling newsletter will go ahead as planned – and I’m more relaxed about writing it this time. I’ve been given some topics to include, and I know what is expected of me. The last one was really well received, so I’ll be hoping to replicate the response this time round.
Up for the challenge
This second stint has started equally as well as the first, so once again I can say that I’m more than content with how things are with me at the moment. I felt quite proud that I was at Poached today, considering when I started I was only expecting a six week stay. Comparing myself then to how I feel now, I can say for sure that I am much more at-ease and far more capable. Long may it continue.
My usual network problems
The morning was disrupted by various internet problems – mainly caused by my new Virgin connection - which doesn’t like me connecting to any other wireless networks. After finally triumphing over temperamental technology, the day was highly productive and certainly a success.
Marked improvement
I managed to all but complete a short article for a social enterprise magazine, and received some very complimentary feedback on it. I was particularly proud of this, as it’s quite rare for me to finish a piece of work in a working office environment. That sounds strange, I know, but I usually work best when I’m on my own, have no deadlines to meet, and feel that there is less pressure on me. I think the completion of this piece means I am more focused - and perhaps more confident in my own ability.
STOP PRESS: change of plan!
I expected to work on August’s Camden Calling press release at some point today. However, after some consultation with Jess, and Jess’ consultation with Alex, it was decided this would be put on hold. Although I had never thought about it before, I can understand Jess’ reasoning on this. A press release is supposed to alert the media about a big, important current event, and so is best used when you really have something to shout about. Sending one out at regular intervals means some of the time the content will not be particularly dramatic – and will not grab enough attention.
It gets easier (I hope)
The Camden Calling newsletter will go ahead as planned – and I’m more relaxed about writing it this time. I’ve been given some topics to include, and I know what is expected of me. The last one was really well received, so I’ll be hoping to replicate the response this time round.
Up for the challenge
This second stint has started equally as well as the first, so once again I can say that I’m more than content with how things are with me at the moment. I felt quite proud that I was at Poached today, considering when I started I was only expecting a six week stay. Comparing myself then to how I feel now, I can say for sure that I am much more at-ease and far more capable. Long may it continue.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
One step at a time
A question asked of me today prompted a realisation – I don’t really have any clear, long-term goals. Having now given it some thought, I don’t really see this as a problem, however.
As I see it, part of going through a rehab program is supposed to be about building an enjoyable life. To achieve this, I’m trying a few different areas of business until I find one that really suits me. I’ve completed numerous courses and workshops, and all the time I am adding to my knowledge and experience. When I reflect on the progress I’ve made and the options I now have, I feel satisfied with my current situation. So I am quite content living without long term objectives – for now at least.
Same again, please
My six week training program is now complete, and it has been agreed that I am staying for another six weeks at least. I will be working on Poached projects as well as more Camden Calling-related things. This length of commitment is fine for me at the moment – as I have been advised to ease myself back in to full time work.
I’m just beginning
Remaining at Poached is so pleasing to me as I feel that I have so much more to learn in this field. The past few weeks have only scratched the surface of what it’s like to be involved in writing – and I feel I have so much more to explore. We have covered a wide range of areas, so I am only just narrowing down which specific areas I am most interested in pursuing. It’s too good a learning opportunity to miss, so writing and communications is definitely my primary focus at the moment.
Keeping options open
That isn’t to say I can never take my interest in mentoring further at some point. The qualification I gained in peer support will always be there, but there is no rush to build on it. The relevant personal experiences I have will never go away, and people in that field tend to be much older than me anyway.
Pleasant surprise
Deciding on writing as my focus coincided with a phone call from the editor of a magazine called Chatterbox. I wrote a small article for the publication a while back, and I have been offered the chance to contribute again. The magazine is distributed to substance misuse organisations across London. It runs stories written by people who have been through the system and have had positive experiences. In a way, it’s purpose is not dissimilar to peer mentoring. It acts as inspiration and offers hope to those who are struggling to see an end to their problems. I see this as a thoroughly worthwhile cause and I happily accepted the offer of writing for it.
No mercy!
I was in the presence of another expert guest speaker today. Not for the first time, this coincided with the equivalent of public execution for a piece of Camden Calling literature. The deserving target this time was a recent press release. The loathsomeness felt for this document by Emma, speaker and public relations connoisseur, made palpable the work required when I take control of press duties next month.
Another skill to add
The session was really useful as I now have some great tips on how the piece should look, read, and how it should be structured. It will be my first attempt at a press release, so I’m thankful for the hints on how to make it a success. Emma had several suggestions on success in other areas of PR – and again one of the most important things to remember is to know your audience when writing.
Sense of fulfilment
I came away from my final session feeling immensely satisfied, and extremely grateful for the help I have received in the last weeks. While this is the end of my training course, I have no intention of ending my regular updates here. I am actually quite enjoying posting - so who knows how long this blog could run for?
Don’t ask me, I don’t plan long-term.
As I see it, part of going through a rehab program is supposed to be about building an enjoyable life. To achieve this, I’m trying a few different areas of business until I find one that really suits me. I’ve completed numerous courses and workshops, and all the time I am adding to my knowledge and experience. When I reflect on the progress I’ve made and the options I now have, I feel satisfied with my current situation. So I am quite content living without long term objectives – for now at least.
Same again, please
My six week training program is now complete, and it has been agreed that I am staying for another six weeks at least. I will be working on Poached projects as well as more Camden Calling-related things. This length of commitment is fine for me at the moment – as I have been advised to ease myself back in to full time work.
I’m just beginning
Remaining at Poached is so pleasing to me as I feel that I have so much more to learn in this field. The past few weeks have only scratched the surface of what it’s like to be involved in writing – and I feel I have so much more to explore. We have covered a wide range of areas, so I am only just narrowing down which specific areas I am most interested in pursuing. It’s too good a learning opportunity to miss, so writing and communications is definitely my primary focus at the moment.
Keeping options open
That isn’t to say I can never take my interest in mentoring further at some point. The qualification I gained in peer support will always be there, but there is no rush to build on it. The relevant personal experiences I have will never go away, and people in that field tend to be much older than me anyway.
Pleasant surprise
Deciding on writing as my focus coincided with a phone call from the editor of a magazine called Chatterbox. I wrote a small article for the publication a while back, and I have been offered the chance to contribute again. The magazine is distributed to substance misuse organisations across London. It runs stories written by people who have been through the system and have had positive experiences. In a way, it’s purpose is not dissimilar to peer mentoring. It acts as inspiration and offers hope to those who are struggling to see an end to their problems. I see this as a thoroughly worthwhile cause and I happily accepted the offer of writing for it.
No mercy!
I was in the presence of another expert guest speaker today. Not for the first time, this coincided with the equivalent of public execution for a piece of Camden Calling literature. The deserving target this time was a recent press release. The loathsomeness felt for this document by Emma, speaker and public relations connoisseur, made palpable the work required when I take control of press duties next month.
Another skill to add
The session was really useful as I now have some great tips on how the piece should look, read, and how it should be structured. It will be my first attempt at a press release, so I’m thankful for the hints on how to make it a success. Emma had several suggestions on success in other areas of PR – and again one of the most important things to remember is to know your audience when writing.
Sense of fulfilment
I came away from my final session feeling immensely satisfied, and extremely grateful for the help I have received in the last weeks. While this is the end of my training course, I have no intention of ending my regular updates here. I am actually quite enjoying posting - so who knows how long this blog could run for?
Don’t ask me, I don’t plan long-term.
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