From Supported Interns to Peer Researchers

Dom and Aimee

A year ago, Dom Tlustochowicz and Aimee Hall joined Cornwall Council as Supported Interns. Since then, they have worked in several council departments, learned new skills and grown in confidence.

During their internships, Dom and Aimee earned praise from managers and colleagues. They took on new tasks and gained workplace experience. They made a positive impact in the teams they worked with and been a pleasure to work with.

More recently, they joined a research project as peer researchers. They joined this through Plymouth University and the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC). As peer researchers, they shared their views and experiences to help a study about supported employment.

The project brought together partners from Plymouth, Medway and Lambeth. Dom and Aimee were two of only eight peer researchers involved.

To celebrate the end of the project, they travelled to London for a special event. There, they spoke about their experiences and shared what they had learned.

The trip was a big step for both young people. They managed the journey to London, travelled around the city and checked in to their accommodation. They also had time to visit Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye.

"Dom and Aimee should be very proud of what they have achieved. Over the past year, they have worked hard, learned new skills and grown in confidence. They represented Cornwall brilliantly and showed how important it is to listen to young people when shaping future services." - Tim Hunt Supported Intern project lead.

The event showed why young people's voices matter. Their experiences can help improve support for other young people in the future. Dom and Aimee returned home feeling proud of what they had achieved. The experience gave them another chance to build their confidence and independence.

As they look ahead to their next steps, both have applied for vacancies at Cornwall Council. We wish them every success in the future and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.