I Got Hired: Community Connector

Posted on: 26 September 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Joe Westall is a Class of 2022 BA Philospohy graduate, now working as a Community Connector at Sefton CVS.

I came across this opportunity through word of mouth. My mum works in a sheltered accommodation living scheme for over 55s, and Support Staff were always in and out. They had mentioned a position helping people with isolation and loneliness, and hearing about it sparked my interest… so I applied!

I got to where I am now by silencing the voice in my head that made me doubt my ability. Doing things that scared me and pushing myself outside my comfort zone. My job is a very rewarding job. I meet so many amazing people with so many interesting stories to tell.

My favourite experience as part of my career since graduating is watching people who have found themselves at a difficult part in their life, overcoming their troubles and flourishing.

Although my job can be very rewarding, it also comes with some very difficult parts. Often, I work with people at their lowest points and they are so unhappy and no longer wish to be here. Learning how to not allow these things to impact my own mental health has been very difficult and challenging.

My main top tips to current students would be:

1. Do things that scare you.

2. Push yourself to try new things.

3. Don’t be afraid to allow your life to take a new direction than what you had originally planned.