Membership

Our membership has officially launched—how exciting! I’m honestly so thrilled to have been part of this project. Watching something grow from meetings and plans into real, tangible action has been amazing.

What I’ve loved most is how many different teams came together to make it happen. It was such a brilliant piece of collaborative work. Because my role is multi-channel, I’ve been able to see all the different parts of the project and how everything connected, which has been so rewarding.

We even received a praise message on the staff forum, which felt fantastic. It’s always such a boost when hard work gets recognised.

Coganassist and Thriving at Work

In last month’s blog, I shared a little about the extra support I was receiving with my neurodivergence. I’m so happy to say things are going really well – I feel like I’m thriving in my work and making real progress!

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that not every technique works for everyone, and that’s okay. For example, blocking out time in my Outlook calendar didn’t really work for me. But I’ve discovered other strategies that really do help:

• Notebooks – These have been a game-changer. I write down my four top priorities in order, which helps me stay focused and organised.

• Meeting notes – During meetings, I jot down everything that’s said and any questions I might have. Afterwards, I spend time reflecting, rewriting my notes neatly, and pulling out clear action points.

• Follow-ups – Sometimes I’ll summarise my notes into an email for a teammate to review and confirm that I’ve understood correctly. This helps with clarity, communication, and confidence.

These small changes have made a big difference. More than that, though, it feels incredible to be understood and supported by my organisation. They don’t just talk about inclusion – they actively do it. To have an employer who sees the needs of neurodivergent colleagues and makes sure we have the tools to succeed is so powerful.

Growing up, I always felt like I had to work harder than everyone else just to keep up. At school, I was recognised for how hard I tried, but often still felt at a disadvantage. Now, to be in a workplace where my effort is not just noticed but supported, feels amazing. I’m so grateful to my team and Skills and Education Group for checking in with me and making sure I feel seen. It makes such a difference knowing I’m not alone in this.

Exciting Change

We now have a new Head of Marketing and Business Growth, and a brand-new Business Growth team has been formed. I’m really excited to work closely with them and see how our teams grow together.

Apprenticeship

I’ve also been focused on my portfolio for college, and it feels amazing to see how much I’ve learned and achieved through my apprenticeship. Honestly, I feel like I’ve learned more in this one year than I did in five years of school and 2 years of college!

Moving Out

It’s finally moving out month – wow! I can’t believe how quickly it’s come around. I’ve paid my first instalment, and everything is starting to feel very real. This is such a massive milestone in my life, and I feel both excited and nervous, which I know is completely normal.

Since the shops are starting to fill with Halloween items, it’s the perfect time for me to pick up some gothic furniture and decorations. I can’t wait to make my space feel like home, with a mix of cosy and spooky vibes.

Moving out is not just about the physical space though – it’s about independence. My apprenticeship has made this step possible, and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. I’ll have more freedom, a shorter and more affordable commute, and the opportunity to truly establish my own routines. Sure, there will be challenges along the way, but I know I’m ready for them. This is the start of a new chapter, and I can’t wait to see where it leads.

Birthday Celebrations

On top of all that, my birthday is coming up at the end of August! I’m so excited because by then I’ll already have moved into my new place, which makes it feel like double the celebration.

I’ve already got plans for where I’ll be celebrating – my favourite restaurant, Yo! Sushi, is now going to be much closer to me, so I’ll definitely be treating myself to some sushi. And of course, I’ll also be heading to my favourite bar. It feels incredible that I’ll be starting this new chapter of independence right around my birthday – almost like a fresh beginning for the year ahead.

Conclusion

This month has been all about growth, change, and exciting milestones. From big projects at work to personal life changes, it feels like I’m stepping into a whole new season. I’m grateful for the support around me, and it feels amazing to be part of such an open, inclusive organisation.

Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to share what’s next in next month’s blog!