What made you want to apply for your position?
Having understood the vision and goals of Hammersley Homes, I immediately recognised how vital and beneficial the charity is in supporting people living with mental illness. Having always worked in ‘person-centred’ roles I am aware of the demand for support and have seen first-hand the impact mental illness can have on individuals, families and loved ones. Having a role as an Appropriate Adult has enabled me to recognise and understand the true extent of mental illness and barriers that exist that need to be overcome. Having currently only been able to provide support within the remit of the role, working as an Outreach Support Visitor for Hammersley Homes will enable me to extend and provide much needed assistance for those living with mental ill health and for them to strive to seek life experiences and enrich their quality of life deserved and entitled to by everyone.

What aspects of the work do you enjoy?
I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to be part of the Hammersley Homes team and feel there is no greater reward than supporting and seeing someone flourish. I have the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people, who with our support are not subject to loneliness and isolation. It gives me great pleasure in supporting people that would otherwise be left and unable to access services that are often oversubscribed, leaving them vulnerable and lonely. There is no better feeling than knowing that you have made someone’s day a bit brighter by just being there and showing you care. I have a keen interest in mental illness and acknowledged that it can happen to anyone of us at some time in our life. Wouldn’t it be a reassurance to know that somebody is there to offer warmth and compassion!

What previous roles and experience have you had that makes you perfect for this sort of work?
I have worked in education for over sixteen years, where I have supported individual pupils with special needs, prior to this I was a volunteer with Hampshire Probation Service, where I supported people to integrate into society. I am a trained Appropriate Adult, where I act as an advocate to vulnerable adults and juveniles, whilst in police custody and work as a Family Contact Supervisor to promote meaningful relationships in a calm and safe environment. There is often a correlation within these roles, where mental illness is a contributing factor, and I am very understanding of this.

What do you think is the best thing about our outreach service, and what further support do you think clients might benefit from that we are currently unable to provide?
The Outreach Service provides opportunity for those that are struggling with isolation and loneliness to be encouraged and supported in achieving their personal goals and aspirations. By just having a listening ear or someone to offer friendship helps provide a foundation for those to make positive contributions to society. Hammersley Homes is a new venture with clear visions and values, I am very much looking forward to being involved and seeing the progression of both the charity and those that it aims to support. It is hoped during the development of Hamersley Homes it will extend its services to provide supported living as well as maybe drop-in centres where people can feel, respected, valued and secure without judgement.