At a Glance
- Tasks: Create engaging social media content and develop creative campaigns for a local charity.
- Company: Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, professional development, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while honing your creative skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for social media, creativity, and eagerness to learn.
Student Placement Opportunity – Social Media & Creative Content
Location: Barnsley
Bring your creativity to life and make a real difference!
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
Are you a Barnsley College student passionate about social media, digital content, and creative storytelling? Barnsley Recovery Steps is offering a hands‑on student placement within our Young People’s Team, giving you the chance to develop your skills while supporting a local charity that makes a real impact in the community.
What you’ll be doing:
- Creating engaging social media content for the young people’s team across platforms
- Developing videos, infographics, photography, and graphics to bring campaigns to life
- Filming and editing creative content for awareness campaigns, including real-life stories and events
- Supporting the Barnsley Recovery Steps brand across digital channels, helping shape messaging and visuals
- Brainstorming fresh ideas and contributing to campaigns that educate and inspire young people
What you’ll gain:
- Practical experience managing social media and creating digital content for a live audience
- Hands‑on experience with filming, photography, editing and graphic design
- Insight into working for a charity and supporting young people impacted by alcohol and other drugs
- Opportunities to contribute your own creative ideas and see them come to life
- Mentoring and support from a friendly, experienced marketing and communications team
Who we’re looking for:
- Creative, enthusiastic, and eager to learn
- Confident using social media and digital tools (Canva, Adobe, TikTok, Instagram, etc.)
- Interested in storytelling, video production, photography, or graphic design
- A team player who can take initiative and contribute ideas
Placement Details:
- Based at our McLintocks office in Barnsley, with flexibility to work from home
- Duration and schedule can be agreed to suit your studies
- Full support and training provided throughout the placement
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.
Closing Date: 2026-03-30
Social Media & Creative Content Student in Barnsley employer: Recovery Focus
Recovery Focus is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and the communities they serve. With a supportive work culture, employees enjoy generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, pension contributions, and access to a 24/7 online GP, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of families in Enfield. The company also fosters professional growth, providing opportunities for training and development in the health and social care sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Media & Creative Content Student in Barnsley
✨Get Involved with Local Charities
Get hands-on experience by volunteering with local charities or organisations in your area. This not only helps you build practical skills but also gets you noticed by potential placements like those at Recovery Focus. Plus, they often have insider info on who’s hiring!
✨Join Student and Professional Networks
Tap into student networks and professional bodies related to social work. Attend events or workshops they organise, as this is a great way to meet people in the field and make valuable connections that could lead to placements at places like Recovery Focus.
✨Showcase Your Passion Online
Start a blog or a social media page dedicated to social work topics. Share your thoughts on relevant issues or spotlight local projects you're involved in. This helps build your visibility and shows that you’re passionate, which placement providers like Recovery Focus will definitely notice!
✨Stay Ahead with Applications
Many social work placements have specific application windows, so keep an eye on these and prepare early. Use university career services to refine your approach and research organisations like Recovery Focus that align with your values and aspirations!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Empathy Skills:In social work, empathy isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the heart of the profession! Use your cover letter to highlight specific experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding. Whether it's through volunteer work, previous placements, or even personal experiences, make sure Recovery Focus sees your human side.
Tailor Your CV to Highlight Relevant Experiences:When crafting your CV, focus on your relevant experiences in social work or related fields. Include any placements, volunteering, or coursework that showcase your understanding of social issues. Don’t forget to mention any specific training or certifications you've acquired – it’s these details that’ll catch Recovery Focus's attention!
Express Your Passion for Learning:Since this is a placement, show us how eager you are to learn and grow in the field of social work. In your cover letter, talk about why you chose social work as a career. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm for making a difference and your commitment to developing your skills on the job.
Include Real-World Examples:When discussing your skills and experiences, try to include concrete examples that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and teamwork. Whether it’s a group project from your studies, a case study you’ve worked on, or even life experiences, make those details shine in your application to show how you'd fit into the Recovery Focus team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
When it comes to social work placements, it's all about demonstrating your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your motivation for joining this field. We want to see that you've got that genuine passion and empathy that makes a great social worker.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving abilities and ethical judgement. They might ask how you’d handle a challenging client or navigate a sensitive situation, so think through your responses and be ready to show how you can apply your knowledge in real-life contexts. It’s a good idea to review common case studies in social work to get into the right mindset.
✨Know Your Theories
Brush up on the key social work theories and frameworks that underpin practice. Being able to reference these during your interview can really impress your interviewers at Recovery Focus. We suggest relating them to your own understanding of situations, showing you're ready to apply theory to practice.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
Since this is a placement, your potential for growth is just as important as your current skills. Make sure to express your eagerness to learn from experienced professionals and your openness to feedback. Discuss how you plan to develop during your time at Recovery Focus and how that aligns with your career goals in social work.
