SeitenWechsel

Duration:

• 5 days in a social institution
• The hours are typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – early or late shifts are possible on 1 or 2 days
• The assignment dates can be agreed between the participant and the social institution

Location:

• Throughout Switzerland, at a location of the social institution in question
• Possible locations include schools and residential homes, living and working facilities for people with disabilities, psychiatric clinics, nursing homes, centers for asylum seekers, soup kitchens and addiction clinics, and – occasionally – prisons. The institutions were carefully selected and prepared. 

How it will work:

• First, the participants choose an institution at a kick-off meeting at the company or in an individual consultation and arrange a date for the assignment with the persons responsible.
• In the second part, during the week itself, the participants work in the social institution and are in contact with clients. They set personal goals and have an introductory and debriefing interview with the person responsible for them.
• The third part is a two-hour evaluation workshop moderated by SeitenWechsel, which takes place either online or at the company. The participants reflect on their experiences and goals and incorporate them into their day-to-day work.
• SeitenWechsel is tailored to the individual: The social institutions adapt their learning offer to the needs, goals and availability of the participant. Assignments are possible at any time, throughout Switzerland, and all year round.

Introduction:

• Kick-off meeting at the company or an individual online introduction. 

Support:

• Participants are supervised by the responsible person within the social institution. 

Tasks:

• Active participation during the entire week at the chosen institution
• The assignment is structured and goal-oriented, and is monitored by an experienced specialist
• With the help of an evaluation, the lessons learned and takeaways can be applied to your day-to-day work

What you’ll need:

• The capacity for self-reflection
• A willingness to get involved
• Openness, curiosity, interest

Added value for the volunteers:

During the SeitenWechsel assignment, they will leave their comfort zone and learn to deal with change and uncertainty. They will reflect on their behavior, observe how teams cooperate and learn more about resilience and boundaries. Simultaneously, they will learn to communicate with respect, eliminate prejudices and understand how conflicts can be resolved constructively. They also develop an understanding for the disadvantaged in society.