Case Study: Hannah Hussain – HAF Easter Camp Volunteer

Hannah Hussain, a 17-year-old student from Woodford County High School, joined SWCO as a volunteer during our HAF Easter Camp. As an aspiring dentist aiming to study at Queen Mary University of London, Hannah was keen to gain meaningful experience within a community setting.

Having previously lived in Tower Hamlets, she felt a strong connection to the area and chose SWCO to complete her required 20 hours of volunteering, officially arranged through her college. Her goal was not only to fulfil her placement but also to better understand the needs of the community she once called home.

Progress and Development

Throughout her time at the HAF Easter Camp, Hannah demonstrated strong commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.

She was actively involved in:

• Supporting children during sports and group activities
• Assisting with arts and crafts sessions
• Helping staff manage group engagement and behaviour
• Building positive relationships with young participants

Over the course of her placement, Hannah developed:

• Communication skills, particularly when interacting with younger children
• Confidence in group settings, working alongside staff and volunteers
• A better understanding of community dynamics and youth engagement
• Responsibility and teamwork, contributing to the smooth running of sessions

She quickly adapted to the environment and became a valued member of the team, showing initiative and a genuine interest in supporting others.

Hannah put her henna design skills to great use by creating beautiful, intricate patterns on the girls’ hands, turning a simple activity into a memorable experience. Her creativity and attention to detail drew a lot of excitement, as each design felt unique and personal. The girls eagerly gathered around, fascinated by the process and thrilled with the results, which added a special cultural and artistic touch to the event. Thanks to Hannah’s talent and dedication, the henna station became one of the highlights of the program and was a huge hit with everyone involved.

Outcomes & Impact

Hannah’s involvement had a positive impact on both the programme and her personal development.

For Hannah:

• She gained hands-on experience in a community setting, aligning with her future aspirations in healthcare
• Developed a deeper understanding of working with diverse communities
• Strengthened her confidence, empathy, and interpersonal skills
• Took a meaningful step towards her goal of entering dentistry at Queen Mary University

For SWCO and the community:

• Hannah provided valuable support to staff, helping deliver engaging and structured sessions
• She contributed to creating a positive and welcoming environment for children attending the camp
• Acted as a relatable role model for young participants, particularly those from similar backgrounds