As I come to the end of my placement at the RIX Inclusive Research Institute, I’ve been reflecting on how much this experience has shaped me—not just as a social work student, but as a person.
Coming from a different country, I was initially nervous about how I’d fit in or whether I’d truly understand the work being done here. But from the very first day, I felt welcomed. There was a real sense of community and purpose that made me feel like I belonged—and that my voice mattered.
One of the most memorable parts of my time at RIX was joining the Sign Say sessions. I’d never used Makaton-style signing before, and learning this new way of communicating was both exciting and humbling. It made me realise how many different ways people connect and express themselves—and how important it is that we, as future social workers, are open to learning these tools so we can better support everyone we work with.
I also had the chance to take part in workshops about inclusivity, where I learned not just from facilitators, but from people with lived experience. These sessions were honest, powerful, and at times emotional. They challenged me to think deeply about the barriers people face and what true inclusion really means.
On behalf of RIX, I worked at Charlton Park Academy supporting children with learning disabilities, and also engaged with clients in supported housing. These experiences gave me practical insight into the needs of different service users—from young people to adults facing homelessness and social exclusion. They strengthened my empathy, communication skills, and understanding of holistic, person-centered care.
Perhaps what I’ve valued most is the chance to share and listen—to hear real stories, ask questions, and feel like we were all learning together. I didn’t just observe inclusion in theory—I saw it in action, every day, in how people were supported, respected, and heard.
This placement has taught me that inclusion isn’t a checklist—it’s a mindset. It’s in the small things: the way we communicate, how we adapt, how we truly listen. I’m walking away from this experience with a fuller heart, new skills, and a strong belief in inclusive practice. It has been personally meaningful and professionally rewarding, adding valuable experience to my future CV.
Thank you to everyone at RIX for making this journey so meaningful.
Sandhra Suresh, Social Work placement student