First year T Level Health student, Hugh Coomer, has been volunteering at the University Hospital Southampton to develop his knowledge of the medical profession.
Hugh volunteers in the Youth Action Group (YAG), which aims to engage young people with the hospital’s activities. One local campaign focuses on reducing noise at night in the children’s ward, to help them sleep better.
“I look out for the youth with campaigns and roles. We do a lot on Instagram to promote the hospital. Over Christmas I planned campaigns online to reach out to the younger generation”, Hugh said.
He started his journey as a volunteer through connections the college has with the local hospital. Students on the T Level Health course benefit from guest speakers and exposure to the world of work, which can be hard for young people to enter.
Hugh took the matter of gaining experience into his own hands by applying for the volunteer role which he has gained a lot from.
The position hasn’t been without its challenges, as Hugh reflected “the hospital is very big. It’s hard to find your way round, I’ve got lost a couple of times. There’s so much work to be done, because it’s such a big area to be involved in but it’s great”.
Hugh also participates in lab research which he enjoys along with his course.
“I’m really loving the course. It’s a great combination of relevant healthcare information. It’s a combination of practical work and academic studies”.
Hugh really appreciates the support from his tutors.
“They are really good. They will help you with everything, and they’re really great at teaching the course and helping you to understand the subjects”.
With a placement coming up in six weeks Hugh’s excited about where it could lead, as he explains “it’s great to just get into the industry, it’s brilliant”.
Longer term, Hugh wants to go to university locally to study physiotherapy.
“I’m really interested in how the mind and the brain talk to the muscles and also advocating for those with additional needs to make their rehabilitation as smooth as possible”, Hugh concluded.
