Thomas (Tom)

Travel information

I am currently

Description

My name is Tom Batten and I am a kind, caring and hard-working individual. Happiness to me means forming genuine connections with people and having new and exciting experiences. I am motivated by helping people, and I have participated in various voluntary activities over my life - from helping out at homeless shelters to taking phone calls on a suicide prevention helpline.

On top of voluntary work and my desire to help people, I also enjoy sports and socialising. I am very active and I love both team sports - particularly football - and individual sports such as running and weight lifting. I believe I am funny, outgoing and friendly, and I really enjoy spending time with people, having conversations and learning about different walks of life.

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
I am incredibly interested in learning Spanish, primarily. However, I am also interested in Portuguese, French and German.

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Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Art Projects

Languages

Eco Projects

Teaching

DIY and building projects

Life at a Farmstay

Animal Care

Babysitting and creative play

General Maintenance

Hospitality/Tourism

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Some knowledge of:  

Gardening

Creating/ Cooking family meals

Helping with Computers/ Internet

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Able to teach about:  

Charity Work

Being an elderly companion

Helping around the house

More details about your skills

In terms of expertise, I have a range of experience in both physically and mentally demanding roles.

When it comes to physically demanding roles, the following are of relevance:
I was a delivery driver for a period of 5 months, where I loaded a van and assisted in the warehouse, made up to 180 stops a day and engaged with customers to resolve any issues or discontentedness.
I also spent 4 months working as a care assistant, where I assisted in the care and support of individuals with physical or mental impairments - be it helping them get dressed and bathe in the morning, to completing general household chores and maintenance.
Additionally, I have worked as a waiter at multiple different instances in my life, so I am highly adept at working under high intensity, customer-focused roles and I have an immense tolerance for dealing with customers who might be intoxicated or unhappy.
On top of work experience, I have always participated in team sports - rugby and/or football - and so I am hugely fit and able to lift heavy objects; plus I also work very well as part of a team.

In terms of more mentally demanding roles and computer skills:
I spent 9 months working at a high-level shipping law firm, where I handled a variety of different cases and was responsible for an extremely diverse array of activities. I was tasked with anything from serving documents on tribunals and courts to writing letters demanding illegally acting parties halt their illegal activities. The role involved immense computer and literary competence, as well as a perfect attention to detail; all under intense stress, since failure to undertake my tasks properly would cause huge financial losses for our clients - fortunately I made no such mistakes.
I have also spent time volunteering with Samaritans, a suicide prevention helpline. Following the 30 hours of listening training, provided to develop active listening skills, safeguarding, effective empathy and dealing with misuses of service, I undertook at least 1 shift a week. During these shifts, I would answer calls and provide emotional support to individuals with emotional issues. Some calls would entail individuals presenting an intent to end their own lives, so I have developed a tenderness and compassion that I believe sets me apart from many people
I have also completed an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, and a Master of Arts in Law, so I have officially verified research and academic capacities.

Age

24

What else ...

I love board games and card games. My favourite board games are monopoly, drafts or chess; my favourite card games are poker and sevens.

I adore football and also like rugby, as well as running - I love running - and weights. I enjoy swimming, and more adventurous sporting activities such as climbing and snowboarding.

Additionally, I love cinema, art and I particularly love reading - anything from fiction, to philosophical essays to poetry.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies

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  Special dietary requirements