Each month we bring you behind the scenes to put the well deserved spotlight on our staff that help us make a difference to communities throughout the North East. This month meet Esme Coldbeck, Research and Information Officer.
Hello I'm Esme, and I'm a research and information officer for the PCP Research Team. I initially started working with the team last year as a volunteer, and I am really excited to have started a part time position in October. Working part time, my job is primarily remote, where I help support the team with internal and external ongoing research projects. Most recently, I've been helping to support writing up the 'Your Young Opinions' report, which investigates the issues surrounding loneliness and isolation in 18 to 25 year olds in County Durham, and the ways in which services and organisations can better support this group. Working remotely means I can work flexibly around my studies, and sometimes involves supporting research in person, for example conducting in person interviews and attending focus groups.
What inspired me the most to volunteer for PCP was having the opportunity to support meaningful change, particularly in a research capacity. After doing some research, I was really inspired by PCP's mission to provide health, wellbeing and learning for all as this is something I'm passionate about myself, and so I decided to get in touch and was referred to Paula and Emma, who have been so supportive throughout my journey as a volunteer and in my part time role. My role as a volunteer was similar to what I get up to now, and so it really built my confidence going into my new position. Some valuable lessons I've learnt so far include working collaboratively with the team and community to engage with PCP's mission, as well as the importance of wellbeing, as this is something that PCP really pushes for both its staff and volunteers.
Firstly, I would highly recommend volunteering at PCP. Being a volunteer means you get to work hands on with a fantastic team and really feel as though you are making a difference. Some advice I would give to anyone considering it is to go for it, you will gain invaluable experience, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections.
I reached out to PCP about volunteering around a year ago, and then became a part time member of the team in October. A day-to-day in my current role includes working 10 hours spread across three days, and varies from attending online meetings, supporting current projects and on occasion visiting the PCP centre. Some memorable moments when transitioning from a volunteer to my new role included our team wellbeing day, where we went to Butterfly World. It was such a nice opportunity to get to know everyone on my team, as well as a few new faces. Similarly, the staff Christmas meeting was a lovely opportunity to get to know everyone at PCP and celebrate our successes. The main thing I strive to achieve working for PCP is helping generate meaningful change in an area I am really passionate about.
My work has a good balance between working with a team and individually, and having regular contact with the team makes me feel supported in everything I do. The most rewarding aspect is getting involved with interviews and focus groups, as you get to work directly with people to drive change.
As a volunteer, I completed PCP's training on safeguarding adults, GDPR, risk assessments, equality and diversity, manual handing, fire awareness and food hygiene. Since starting my new role, I am currently completing training on suicide awareness, and hope to complete some training on Microsoft excel, as this is something that will help me as both a student and Research and Information Officer.
For more about what the PCP offers, visit www.pcp.uk.net, email enquiries@pcp.uk.net or call 01325 321234. And make sure to keep an eye on our vacancies page for opportunities to join our team.
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