Crohn's & Colitis UK's internship programme, supported by a educational grant from Abbvie, has been successful in giving four young members of the charity an insight into the workings of politics.
The programme aims to increase understanding of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), raise participant's self-esteem and confidence and demonstrate the realities of living and working with IBD to decision makers in England, Scotland and Wales.
Successful previous applicants, like Sally, have been given the opportunity to support a politician's work at constituency and national level, gaining new skills and vital work experience.
Sally has agreed to blog about her experiences of working in Welsh Assembly over the next 12 weeks.
As a Law graduate just out of university I was feeling really nervous about my first day as I have no previous experience working in an office, let alone for a political party. Embarking on my 3 month internship I aim to show employers that even though I have Crohn's Disease, I am still capable of working just like any other person.
I was welcomed into the office by all the staff, and have been really busy during my first few days here. I have already had the opportunity to work on a new Bill currently before the Assembly on public health called 'listening to you: your health matters'. I have also been researching Legal Highs and their impact. I have been critiquing the Bill and suggesting ways it can be amended. I have also been asked to write briefings for Assembly Members on a number of different areas including Culture and Poverty and the Armed Forces.
As the Assembly is currently in recess [on a break] I have thankfully been eased in to working in the office, but I am also excited to see how much busier it is when the Assembly Members return next week. I will then have the chance to sit in on committee meetings; attend press briefings; and even enter the Senedd when the Assembly is in session!
I look forward to learning as much as I can while I am here. It is an amazing experience to have as a new graduate.
Sally Coughtrey
Describing her very exciting first week
Sally has hit the ground running here in the Assembly and has fitted straight into the team. She hasn't been phased once with any of the varying tasks we've given her and she's coped brilliantly despite being thrown in at the deep end with hefty legislation to wade through! She's proven to be a great asset to our research team and hope she enjoys the next few months.
Ed Wilson
Deputy Chief of staff for Kirsty Williams
All places in the parliamentary internship scheme have been allocated and applications are closed. For those members or supporters interested in a career or work experience in a political environment you may want to consider applying to the Speaker's Parliamentary Placement Scheme (when applications next open), which is a cross party initiative that aims to improve social mobility by providing nine month paid work experience placements.
