From volunteer to NHS support worker: Syeda’s new chapter

15/09/2025

Have you met Syeda? After months of volunteering, she’s now thriving as a Dementia and Delirium Support Worker at Royal London Hospital – with a little help from the Community Works for Health programme through The Hive.

Big ambitions and a big heart

Syeda had been volunteering for almost a year while she looked for work. She knew she wanted to build a career in the NHS, but without any previous experience, getting a foot in the door was tough.

What she did have was plenty of determination and a real desire to help others – she just needed the right support to turn her passion into a profession.

Finding her way with The Hive

That’s when Syeda joined the Community Works for Health programme through The Hive, our free employment and training service. The course gave her more than just skills, it gave her confidence too. She especially valued learning how to write strong supporting statements (something every NHS application needs), as well as gaining insights into mental health in the workplace.

The Hive

Confidence to take the next step

With encouragement from her advisor and The Hive team, Syeda felt supported every step of the way. She says:

“Having a positive thought process was very helpful in taking a step in the next direction. Getting guidance about the most appropriate role for me also made a big difference.”

A role in the NHS

All that hard work paid off. Syeda landed her first NHS job as a Dementia and Delirium Support Worker at Royal London Hospital – which she sees as the perfect starting point , giving her hands-on experience and room to grow. In her words:

“It’s a good stepping stone for gaining NHS experience, and the team is very supportive of personal development.”

Just the beginning

For Syeda, it’s the start of something special. She’s now part of a team she loves, building her skills, and making a difference every day. Her journey shows how, with the right support and a little determination, big ambitions can become reality.

Want to follow in Syeda’s footsteps? Explore the free courses and training advice we offer.

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