man in striped top stood holding guitar next to a girl sat in a wheelchair wearing a grey top and holding a microphone with seashell worker kneeling down next to her

Working for a charity can be an immensely rewarding career choice. Not only will you be helping to make a difference in the lives of others, but you’ll also gain invaluable experience and skills that can be transferred to other aspects of your life. In this article, Seashell explains why working for a charity could be the best decision you ever make.

The rewards of working for a charity

Why work for a charity? Well, while there isn’t a single one-size-fits-all answer to that question, there are numerous benefits that come from working in the charity sector. So if you’re interested in making a career change or taking your first tentative steps into the world of work, and are looking for a fulfilling career path, we’ve compiled a list of the five main reasons you should consider working for a charity like Seashell.

1. Making a difference in the world

Feeling like you’re making a difference in the world can be extremely rewarding. Whether volunteering or forging a full-time career, working for a charity provides an incredible opportunity to make a positive difference in other people’s lives. Where else could you find that level of job satisfaction? When you work with Seashell, you’re guaranteed to make a difference in the lives of children and young adults with complex needs.

2. Knowing you are helping others

Working for a charity like Seashell is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Knowing that your efforts are empowering and enriching the lives of our students and residents is rewarding and inspiring. In addition, a career at Seashell can provide you with a wealth of invaluable skills and experiences. Helping others has been proven to stimulate positive mental health benefits, making charity work a win-win occupation!

3. Learning and developing new skills

Learning and developing new skills is a great way to further your personal growth and career potential. When you join the Seashell team, you will be challenged and rewarded in equal measure. You’ll be able to strengthen your skill set daily, especially in regards to communication, teamwork and patience. Learning and evolving on the job is a sure-fire route to success and satisfaction.

4. Meeting new people and making friends

Working for a charity is a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people and make lifelong friends. It allows you to unite around a shared purpose of working towards something greater than yourself. Working at Seashell allows you to learn and grow with those around you, creating meaningful friendships. The potential to make meaningful connections is a major benefit of charity work.

5. Opportunities for career advancement

Working for a charity presents unique opportunities for career advancement. Many skills you will develop working in this environment, such as problem-solving, working under pressure, serving multiple stakeholders, and working collaboratively with a team, can serve you well in any field. However, the rewards of working at Seashell and the opportunities to progress will likely keep you motivated for many years to come.

What it’s like working at Seashell

So, now you have five gilt-edged reasons why working for a charity is a worthwhile pursuit. But don’t just take our word for it. We spoke to several team members to find out what it’s like to work at Seashell.

Wesley Ratcliffe is our Cycling Development Officer. Working out of our new Bradbury Cycling Centre, Wes is committed to creating inclusive cycling projects within Seashell and the community. He said: “There are many things I enjoy about the job. I feel fully supported by the team around me and have plenty of opportunities to access further training and qualifications, which will enable me to be an even better version of myself.”

Lucy Basing Roberts is a member of the college Occupational Therapy Team. Lucy’s role involves assessing students’ needs and providing equipment, strategies, and therapy sessions. She said: “I really enjoy my role at Seashell as I have the opportunity to get to know the students and create interventions that are tailored to their specific needs. I also work within a really supportive team, and it really feels like all staff at Seashell are invested in each student.”

Make a difference with Seashell

Working for a charity like Seashell offers many benefits, not least the satisfaction you’ll gain from making a difference, helping others, learning new skills, working in a supportive team environment, and advancing your career. If you’d like to make a difference in the lives of children and young people with SEND, Seashell is actively recruiting across multiple rewarding roles. We would love to welcome you to the team!

Browse our current vacancies and volunteering opportunities to find your perfect role. For more information about Seashell, please get in touch on 0161 610 0100 or email info@seashelltrust.org.uk.