Honor Whiteside
Wolverhampton,West Midlands
Summary
As a recent graduate from the University of Wolverhampton, I aim to empower individuals to realise their fullest potential by confronting the barriers and misconceptions that hinder those with disabilities. Compassionate and supportive, I am dedicated to understanding and empathising with those around me. With a knack for attentive listening and meticulous notetaking, I ensure a thorough grasp of concepts and effective communication. My helpful nature drives me to assist others wholeheartedly, adeptly following written instructions and demonstrating reliability in task completion. Whether collaborating within a team or working independently, I proactively adhere to rules diligently. Embracing my approachability and eagerness to contribute, I refuse to let my deafness impede my aspirations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
Work history
Deaf Research Assistant
University of Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
04.2024 - Current
- I am currently engaged in collaborative research with senior lecturers to examine the perspectives surrounding support for D/deaf and hard-of-hearing students at the University of Wolverhampton.
- Partnered with department faculty to elevate the profile and attract more students to take part.
- Analysed data and information to identify issues and create tailored solutions.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Wrote reports outlining project progress and results.
- Delivered tailored assistance to students with disabilities.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Completed high-volume research tasks, managing competing priorities with stringent time management.
Business Administration Officer
Zebra Access
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
09.2023 - Current
- My current responsibilities involve providing remote assistance to my colleagues with various administrative tasks.
- These tasks include but are not limited to booking venues for upcoming events, designing promotional materials for events, providing on-site support at events, updating spreadsheets, and more.
- My primary aim is to ensure that my colleagues receive the necessary support to ensure the smooth running of the business operations.
- Wrote professional letters, emails and memoranda for business communication.
- Created email notifications, invitations and agendas for meetings, events and appointments.
- Took the initiative to self-assign administrative tasks in line with company policy to maximise impact.
- Helped staff to maximise efficiency by providing clerical and secretarial support.
- Organised tasks by level of urgency and importance to make the best use of time and resources.
- Gathered information, created charts and produced reports for staff.
- Acted as main contact for staff and clients.
- Received, sorted and distributed incoming mail.
SENSE Volunteer
Sense
Selly Oak, Birmingham
01.2023 - Current
- During my volunteer engagement at SENSE within the early years play sector, my responsibilities encompassed a range of professional tasks aimed at enhancing the inclusivity and effectiveness of the program
- Integral to my role was the meticulous planning and execution of accessible activities tailored to the diverse needs of the children
- I adeptly provided alternative communication methods, ensuring that all participants could fully engage and benefit from the program
- Collaborating closely with staff members, I offered invaluable assistance in activity preparation and implementation, leveraging my expertise to contribute seamlessly to the program's objectives
- Furthermore, I actively engaged with the children, conducting activities with enthusiasm and creativity while fostering meaningful relationships built on trust and understanding
- My commitment to professionalism and dedication to inclusivity were evident throughout my volunteer tenure, as I consistently strived to uphold the highest standards of service delivery within the early years play sector.
Student Volunteer
Birmingham City University
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
02.2024 - 02.2024
- In my volunteer capacity at a weekly group catering to individuals who have undergone stroke recovery, I encountered a diverse array of needs stemming from this experience.
- My role encompassed providing invaluable assistance with essential tasks, implementing various communication strategies to facilitate effective interaction, and establishing meaningful connections with clients and their support networks.
- Throughout this engagement, I garnered significant knowledge and honed essential skills, particularly in the domains of dysphagia and aphasia.
- These experiences deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by stroke survivors and equipped me with the tools necessary to offer tailored support and guidance.
- My commitment to professionalism and empathy guided my interactions with clients. I worked diligently to contribute to their holistic recovery journey while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within the group setting.
Outreach Officer
Zebra Access
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
04.2023 - 09.2023
- I was an Outreach Officer for a Deaf-based charity in Wolverhampton, supporting individuals in the hard-of-hearing and deafened community. My role involved remote and community assistance for those who had experienced sudden hearing loss.
- I organised a workshop called Living and Learning with Hearing Loss to connect individuals who were new to hearing loss and experiencing a similar experience.
- I assisted my colleagues in developing posters, responding to emails, and attending meetings to support the community.
- Developed positive coping strategies for service users and mental health users to promote independence.
- Partnered with external support networks to deliver holistic client care.
- Completed tasks within specified timeframes and confirmed information shared between relevant internal and external parties.
- Developed and championed accessible, practical solutions for recurring problems faced by service users.
- Built positive, productive client relationships for enhanced social support.
- Supported integration of service users into community life to maximise successful transition rate.
- Led group support initiatives to increase service user's social skills and confidence.
- Monitored service user progress, escalating concerns for swift resolution.
- Developed plans and strategies to promote continuous improvement.
Early Years Practitioner (Level 3)
Play n Learn Day Nursery
Wolverhampton, West Midlands
05.2022 - 05.2023
- As a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner, I have gained extensive experience caring for children ranging from 6 months to 5 years of age in a busy day nursery.
- Supported children's development with learning-through-play activities, aiding social, emotional and educational growth.
- Managed and administered medications and minor first aid treatments, prioritising child safety and wellbeing.
- Adapted activities to support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pupils.
- Tracked and assessed learning journeys using Nursery Management Software.
- Implemented Safeguarding Procedures to monitor and protect children.
- Encouraged sharing and teamwork for positive social development.
- Applied Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework knowledge to drive curriculum attainment.
- Reported on developmental progress to quickly identify and meet additional educational needs.
Sales Assistant
B&M Retail
Various, Various
08.2017 - 05.2022
- My primary responsibility at the store is to assist customers on the shop floor.
- I provide them with the necessary help and guidance to ensure a satisfactory shopping experience.
- In addition, I am responsible for stocking the shelves, tidying up the stock, and making room for new items.
- I possess extensive experience in pricing merchandise and can competently perform this task throughout the store.
- Conducted stock checks, faced-up shelves and recorded out-of-stock items to fulfil customer demand.
- Tagged products quickly and accurately with price tags and stickers.
- Resolved customer complaints and process issues with proactive problem-solving skills.
- Enhanced visual merchandising by maintaining replenishment and presenting items according to style guides.
- Followed company procedures and guidelines for smooth retail operations.
- Provided service with a smile, offering courteous, helpful advice to meet customer needs best.
Play Assistant
Ladybird's Childcare
Belfast, Northern Ireland
09.2019 - 03.2020
- I undertook a placement twice weekly to study for the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Children's Care, Learning, and Development.
- My duties primarily involve assisting staff in providing care for children between 0 and 4 years old, with a particular focus on those aged 1 to 3.
- These duties include maintaining a tidy and organised environment, tending to the children's needs and well-being, and supporting the staff in serving snacks and lunch.
- Additionally, I assist in preparing the children for nap times and ensuring they are comfortable and secure.
- Observed children at play to monitor behaviour and social interactions, intervening in serious conflicts.
- Created and maintained welcoming, safe and tidy space to promote children's development.
Nursery Assistant
Brooklands Nursery Unit
Belfast, Northern Ireland
09.2018 - 06.2019
- During my Level 3 Childcare, Learning and Development studies, I participated in a placement program for two days a week
- In the morning class, I worked alongside children aged 3-4, while in the afternoon class, I worked with children between the ages of 2 years 10 months to 4 years
- I assisted the staff in preparing the classroom before and after the children arrived and departed and conducted observations of the children for both my college work and the teacher in placement
- I facilitated a range of activities independently and with other staff members for the children
- I also supervised the children both indoors and outdoors, ensured the classroom was tidy, played with the children, and performed various tasks around the classroom for the teacher.
- Organised classroom spaces to align with lessons and support children's learning.
- Set up equipment and materials ahead of recreational activities.
- Developed positive, trusting relationships with groups of young children.
Play Work Assistant
Action Deaf Youth
Belfast, Northern Ireland
06.2018 - 06.2018
- As part of my Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Health and Social Care, I had the opportunity to observe the learning process as it occurred through play.
- Set up equipment and materials ahead of recreational activities.
- Read stories and lead activities to help children build foundational learning skills.
- Created and maintained a welcoming, safe and tidy space to promote children's development.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- This placement provided me with hands-on experience and allowed me to apply what I had learned in the classroom to a real-world setting.
Care Assistant
Aaron House
Belfast, Northern Ireland
11.2017 - 11.2017
- During my two-week placement at Aaron House, I aided the day-care staff in caring for adults with severe learning and physical disabilities.
- I actively participated in various activities and was trained to care for such individuals.
- This placement required attaining the Level 3 Subsidiary Health and Social Care Diploma.
- Adapted to service users' needs and requests to maintain personalised care.
- Worked professionally with caregiving teams to maintain continuity of care.
- Helped individuals with day-to-day activities while consistently encouraging independence and self-belief.
- Monitored client health conditions and reported immediate issues to manager.
Nursery Assistant
Acres of Fun Day Nursery
Newbury, West Berkshire
11.2016 - 11.2016
- During a one-week placement that was part of my Work Experience program in the fourth year of Secondary School, I was responsible for the care and supervision of children indoors and outdoors.
- My duties involved playing with the children, reading to them, helping them to dress and put on their shoes, and assisting with tidying up and putting away toys.
- I approached my role with professionalism and dedication, ensuring that the children were always safe and well cared for
- This experience allowed me to develop skills in communication, organisation, and time-management, which I believe will be valuable in any future endeavours.
- Taught alphabet and numeracy to enhance learning experience.
- Created caring bonds with children for comfort and safety within nursery.
- Arranged for entertainment and games to provide downtime between learning activities.
Classroom Assistant
Cregagh Primary School
Belfast, Northern Ireland
06.2015 - 06.2015
- During my Year 10 Work Experience, I was assigned to work as a classroom assistant, where I provided support to deaf pupils.
- My responsibilities included assisting with coursework, monitoring the students' activities, and maintaining a tidy learning environment.
- Throughout this one-week placement, I fulfilled the typical duties that are expected of a classroom assistant.
- Created positive, engaging learning environments to improve student experiences.
- Monitored children in spaces between classes, keeping disruptions to minimum.
- Offered students personalised support during in-class activities and projects.
- Maximised class teacher productivity by preparing work and activities in advance of lessons.
- Built trusting, respectful relationships with pupils through attentive listening and communication abilities.
- Prepared necessary equipment and technology ahead of class.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Deaf Studies with Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Studies
University of Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton 09.2020 - 06.2023
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma - Health and Social Care
South Eastern Regional College
Belfast 09.2017 - 06.2018
Level 3 Diploma - Children's Care, Learning and Development
South Eastern Regional College
Belfast 09.2018 - 06.2019
Level 2 Certificate - Dealing with Challenges
South Eastern Regional College
Belfast 09.2017 - 06.2018
Level 3 Extended Diploma - Children's Care, Learning and Development
South Eastern Regional College
Belfast 09.2019 - 06.2020
Level 2 Certificate - ICT
South Eastern Regional College
Belfast 09.2017 - 06.2018
GCSE -
Mary Hare School
Newbury, West Berkshire 09.2015 - 06.2017
Skills
- Research
- Administrative Support
- Inclusivity
- Communication
- Empathy
- Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Organisation
- Time Management
- Leadership
- Initiative
- Empowerment
- Professionalism
Languages
English
Native
British Sign Language
Fluent
Certification
- Safeguarding Children Level 1
NHS: Elearning for Healthcare 2024
- Introduction to Safeguarding Adults: Level 1
NHS: Elearning for Healthcare 2024
- Equality and Diversity and Human Rights
NHS: Elearning for Healthcare 2024
- Data Security Awareness: Level 1
NHS: Elearning for Healthcare 2024
- Moving and Handling: Level 1
NHS: Elearning for Healthcare 2024
- Infection Prevention and Control: Level 1
NHS: Elearning for Healthcare 2024
Quote
Everything in life is just for a while.
Philip K. Dick
Timeline
Deaf Research Assistant
University of Wolverhampton
04.2024 - Current
Student Volunteer
Birmingham City University
02.2024 - 02.2024
Business Administration Officer
Zebra Access
09.2023 - Current
Outreach Officer
Zebra Access
04.2023 - 09.2023
SENSE Volunteer
Sense
01.2023 - Current
Early Years Practitioner (Level 3)
Play n Learn Day Nursery
05.2022 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Deaf Studies with Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion Studies
University of Wolverhampton
09.2020 - 06.2023
Play Assistant
Ladybird's Childcare
09.2019 - 03.2020
Level 3 Extended Diploma - Children's Care, Learning and Development
South Eastern Regional College
09.2019 - 06.2020
Nursery Assistant
Brooklands Nursery Unit
09.2018 - 06.2019
Level 3 Diploma - Children's Care, Learning and Development
South Eastern Regional College
09.2018 - 06.2019
Play Work Assistant
Action Deaf Youth
06.2018 - 06.2018
Care Assistant
Aaron House
11.2017 - 11.2017
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma - Health and Social Care
South Eastern Regional College
09.2017 - 06.2018
Level 2 Certificate - Dealing with Challenges
South Eastern Regional College
09.2017 - 06.2018
Level 2 Certificate - ICT
South Eastern Regional College
09.2017 - 06.2018
Sales Assistant
B&M Retail
08.2017 - 05.2022
Nursery Assistant
Acres of Fun Day Nursery
11.2016 - 11.2016
GCSE -
Mary Hare School
09.2015 - 06.2017
Classroom Assistant
Cregagh Primary School
06.2015 - 06.2015
References
References available upon request.
References
References available upon request.
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