I worked for over 20 years in schools around Birmingham from nursey age up to sixth form. My role was varied but it mainly involved supporting students in lessons, especially young people with special educational needs. However, I was always drawn more towards the students who required emotional support and nurturing rather than the academic side of things.
I applied to become a volunteer for the Children’s Team at Birmingham Hospice (then known as St Mary’s Hospice) and soon completed my training to work with bereaved children and young people. Shortly after, I noticed a job advertisement at the hospice for a job that I’d just trained in and knew I had to go for it. I didn’t think for a minute I would be lucky enough to get the job, but I did! I can’t express how happy I was at the news; I couldn’t stop crying happy tears!
My role involves empowering and emotionally supporting children and families to navigate the challenges they are facing. No two days are the same and that means you have to be flexible and most importantly keep your sense of humour.
Today, after six years, I still can’t believe I am lucky enough to do the job I do. I get to work with the most incredible children, young people and families, and support them through probably the toughest challenge of their lives, whether that’s living with a loved one with a life-limiting illness or have sadly, already died. It’s truly an honour and a privilege to walk alongside them and to be part of their journey at such a vulnerable and scary time and I hope I make a difference to our families. This job is definitely my vocation; it’s terribly sad at times as you build strong connections and relationships with patients and families, but I have the added bonus of working with an incredibly supportive and strong team who I can always count on for emotional support. I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else.
