Volunteering....?

Just a quick one ladies, i've seen a lot of questions about this. Is this something you have to do when doing an access course or is it optional? I'd love to do it, but would need to arrange childcare etc xx

I think some access courses demand some type of work experience/volunteer work that they help you arrange, I just did a week of work experience in a maternity ward and I currently volunteer as a breastfeeding peer supporter at my local hospital and just simply turn up when I can, but I did have to go on a special training course and get a crb check done first before I could do this, I did all my experience/volunteering on my own back as I am hoping to gain plenty of experience for myself and for my ucas form!

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Chester interview 9/12/08!!

I think most uni's want to see that you have done some sort of relevant (sp?) voluntary work , when we first started out access course we was told by the careers people to try and do some.
It doesnt have to be in a maternity ward / dept( although its great if you can get it !) we was told any CARE work could be done . This would demonstrate some transferrable skills in to midwifery .
Also if you care for a family member on a regular basis that can be mentioned on your ps ( personal statement ), having a family = good time management ! Utilise all the skills you have but dont realise-i even mentioned my excellent financial abilities - meaning i could run the household budget !
You could try and get ongoing voluntary work- an hour a week maybe or do a couple of weeks work in a specific place.
Where i go with sure start they provide a nursery place for my littlest (she is 2) while i am running the group ( by myself last week i may add!)
So it may be an idea to get your thinking cap on to research a few ideas as you normally need a crb check done before work can commence and these can take ages !!

HTH ??

XX

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HAS JUST SUBMITTED UCAS FORM !!!! ( 22/10/08)
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind......Gandhi.

Hi
Most unis I've contacted said that in addition to the qualifications they want to see you've had relevant experience. I've found some through an independent midwife and a midwife I met at a wedding the other week said she'll sort me out with as much w/e as I want. She said it's v easy to do in her trust if you're keen.

So do you do it before you start uni - i.e during the access course? x

yes-that seems to be what everyone does, but remeber that you will apply to ucas from september onwards- so the earlier you can sort some out the more you can include on your ps !

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HAS JUST SUBMITTED UCAS FORM !!!! ( 22/10/08)
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind......Gandhi.

Hi On my Access course there is an option to take a module on social care which will give you an opportunity of a placement. They will help you to secure your place. That way you are combining it rather than having to do extra which is really handy if you are struggling for childcare. Have you looked at the NCT website as they are always looking for volunteers? x

So does it not necessarily have to be on a postnatal/prenatal unit? x

Its prob best to contact your chosen uni to double check ??

But we was told that CARE work is what they look for ???

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HAS JUST SUBMITTED UCAS FORM !!!! ( 22/10/08)
An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind......Gandhi.