I started my journey at Red Rose Recovery in January 2022. I had previously worked in Children’s Residential care which I enjoyed. During my time I worked alongside Social Workers, Police and Family Courts. I recognised an additional need for support with families and individuals who were facing multiple disadvantages including substance and alcohol misuse.
I began at Red Rose Recovery as a Peer Mentor, supporting the Changing Futures East Team and quickly moved into a Navigator role. I worked extensively on a 1-1 basis with beneficiaries and services to provide the additional need of those experiencing homelessness, mental health difficulties, substance and alcohol misuse, criminal activities, and domestic abuse. With the additional training and experience, I then moved into the Team Leader role where I now oversee a team of 20 members of staff, all with lived experience and have the chance create the system change including breaking down stigma associated with those experiencing multiple disadvantages.
I have an extensive network of support from my team and senior managers and I wouldn’t be in role I am today without the opportunity, trust and provision given by Red Rose Recovery’’