UWA McCusker Centre for Citizenship student Ben Ford has used his media skills to help raise awareness of the important work being done by Hannah’s House, a WA-based not-for-profit that provides health and support services to children and young people aged from birth to 18 years who have life-limiting and complex conditions.
Ben, a Tapping resident who is studying a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media, decided to pursue the project through an internship with the McCusker Centre for Citizenship to gain valuable practical experience.
“I collaborated with the Communications and Fundraising Coordinator, Mikaela Turner, and Business Development Manager, Lee-Anne Ashley at Hannah’s House to plan, film and edit a video recruitment campaign,” said Ben.
The primary aim of the video was to raise awareness of Hannah’s House and their work to attract new staff to come on board with the organisation.
“As part of the campaign, I filmed interviews with support workers, registered nurses and families who are involved with Hannah’s House’s support services. I was able to understand the struggles and reality of the disability sector but also the appreciation and gratitude from recipients of Hannah’s House’s service,” said Ben.
Lee-Anne Ashley, Hannah’s House Manager, Fundraising & Marketing, said “Ben and Mikaela did a great job making this video in-house and on less than a shoe-string budget. We think it's such a professional result and is going to be so helpful in giving prospective staff a glimpse into working with our special kids and their families.”
Juggling the 100-hour internship alongside his studies and part-time work, Ben said the workload was often challenging but he was driven and motivated by his responsibility to see the project come together successfully.
“Sharing the finalised version of the video recruitment campaign with co-workers and receiving really positive feedback was really great to see. To see a project I had worked on with the Hannah’s House team come into fruition at a professional standard was so rewarding,” said Ben.
“Ben was super engaged, organised and clearly very talented. What an amazing future he has ahead. Our thanks and appreciation to Ben and to the McCusker Centre for Citizenship at UWA for this fantastic program. I would recommend other non-for-profits consider getting involved and hosting a student,” said Lee-Anne.
Ben says the internship experience has solidified his goal to work in the digital advertising sector, and he now has a stronger understanding of how he can directly contribute to Perth communities through charitable and volunteer work.
“The McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship program has provided me with an understanding that I have the capability to assist disadvantaged communities on a local, national and global level,” said Ben.
“I have already recommended this program to my friends at UWA. The ability to complete an internship as a unit is so unique and beneficial for students like me,” he said.