This summer, Kayla took part in a four week long paid internship with Art in Healthcare as part of Career Ready UK. Kayla worked alongside our team, bringing fresh perspectives and growing her skills. We’ve been so proud to watch her progress over the summer – as she’s grown in confidence and built essential workplace skills.
At the end of her internship Kayla created the following blog post, reflecting on the experience:
My Experience as an intern with Art in Healthcare
During my internship with Art in Healthcare I worked for 4 weeks, I gained valuable experience and knowledge while receiving support with using a laptop and contributing to the charity’s strategic development. I supported the Collections Team by assessing whether artworks were suitable for healthcare settings, researching pieces that entered the collection through prizes, and assisting the Technician and Trainee Technician with conservation work, including helping to repair an art frame. I also attended away days, including one in Linlithgow. There was an exhibition so during that exhibition there was an artist called Leo de Feu. He shared his artwork and spoke about his personal story, including how art supported him through difficult times and became part of his healing journey. His openness and the way he used art to raise awareness were inspiring and beautiful to witness. During the exhibition, we were given sketchbooks and asked to draw what was in front of us around the nature, just as Leo had done. Some of us aren’t good at drawing but the experience was so calm and with surroundings no phones made the activity peaceful and relaxing. These were the photos from the away day:
What I Learned About Myself
This work experience has helped me learn more about myself and the skills I already have, as well as the ones I still want to improve. I developed my communication and observation skills because I had to listen carefully, ask questions when I was unsure, and pay attention to what people needed. I learned that even small creative moments can make a big difference to someone’s day, especially in healthcare settings where people might be going through a difficult time. It also made me feel more confident because I was trying new things and working with different people. I improved my computing skills a lot and learned how useful a laptop can be for research and using different Microsoft apps, writing notes, organising work and helping with tasks in an office. Before this experience, I did not realise how much work happens behind the scenes in a charity, I also learned what it is like to work in an office environment, and being on time, staying focused, and managing my workload properly. Working from home sometimes helped me become more organised because I had to plan my day and make sure I completed my tasks without someone reminding me all the time.
Image: Kayla and her Career Ready Mentor Amy, Art in Healthcare’s Collection and Communications Coordinator.
Final Reflection
Overall, my work experience with Art in Healthcare showed me that creativity has a real place in supporting health and wellbeing. I can brighten environments, encourage self-expression, build community and support people through challenging times. I feel like I became more independent, responsible and confident during this experience. I also felt so comfortable working in Art in Healthcare. Most of all, I learned that I also have a favourite art piece and it didn’t take long to find my favourite one it’s called The Hare and the Frogs and I really like it because not only I really like frogs I really like the dark and bright side makes it look more interesting to look at.
Image: ‘The Hare and the Frogs’ by Linda M. Farquarson which is part of the Art in Healthcare Collection.
Find out how your organisation can get involved: careerready.org.uk
28 July 2026 by
Amy Miles