A Supported Internship Student at Southampton College, part of South Hampshire College Group, has been announced as Volunteer of the Month at British Heart Foundation.
Freddie Allen, 20, was recognised for his commitment to going above and beyond his work duties at British Heart Foundation, during which he typically assists drivers with courier work, as well as building furniture, clearing household items and tidying facilities. March 2025 saw the Foundation become temporarily short-staffed, and Freddie volunteered to double his work hours to help operations continue as normal. Freddie’s contribution during this time left such an impression that he has since been offered a permanent paid position with the couriers after he completes his Supported Internship.
Freddie commented: “I have learnt a lot during my time in College and enjoy my work experience with British Heart Foundation even if it can be stressful sometimes. I have become more personable with others since starting my Supporting Internship course and have felt myself grow in confidence too.”
Freddie has been a student at Southampton College for four years, having completed Maths, English and functional skills qualifications before starting a Supported Internship program in September 2024.
Supported Internship programs are specialised work-focused courses designed to help students with learning disabilities access employment, emphasising spending time in a voluntary work placement to build experience. Students can expect to learn a wide range of transferable work skills, with the aid of a College job coach, while strengthening their interview, CV and cover letter abilities.
Tiffany Chan is Freddie’s allocated job coach during his studies. She commented: “I am so proud of Freddie – this type of success story is exactly what this course is set up and designed to achieve. It proves to themselves as students just what they can achieve, no matter what obstacles may be in their path.”
