Alexander Wegener

During second year acted as social secretary, organising fortnightly social events, which was made more challenging due to lockdowns. Creativity required to put on fun and inclusive activities, including use of online polls to assess engagement. Created small Facebook groups "families" by reaching out to members in order to allow for small in person gatherings within COVID guidelines and promote mental health, with a particular focus on first year students.

Volunteered at The Riding Centre in Willington, working with primary school aged children with autism and physical disabilities. Ensured their wellbeing and safety, helped the children mount the horses and held the reins whilst riding, ensuring their engagement. Duties included cleaning the stables and caring for the horses.

Volunteered at Headway Bedford for 10 weeks, which is a clinic that helps clients recovering from brain injury. I assisted in group therapy sessions that focused on rehabilitation of the clients memory, communication skills (both verbal and written), higher order functioning and basic numeracy skills. This demonstrated patience, communication skills, empathy, discretion and duty of care.

Over consecutive summer holidays, worked as a member of the Youth Leadership Team at local church with increasing responsibility each year. Initially assistant group leader for pre-teens, subsequently co-leader of 5-6 age group, finally assisted with general administration and directed drama production and supported set design and build. Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, organizational and creative skills.