Amy

How long have you worked for the organisation?

I have worked for the company for 6 months now. I joined the team on a temp contract of 4 months as the Cold Weather Fund lead in Mid-Sussex and became the permanent Outreach worker for Mid-Sussex.

What is your current role and briefly what does your job entail?

I am the outreach support worker for Mid-Sussex. This involves finding and following leads of rough sleepers in our district and helping them to engage with us in order to ascertain what support they require to start their journey out of homelessness. A typical day may include walking through fields to find a tent, taking food and water to people, having a coffee with local homeless men and women in the area. I also set up multi agency teams in order to progress the support clients may need.
My main responsibility is giving people a hand up when they feel knocked down!

What made you apply for a job with us?

I had always seen and admired the work Turning Tides do in our local area and when I felt I needed a challenge – I pushed myself to go for an interview of a post that sounded really varied and interesting. I’ve always worked in industries helping people but never the homelessness sector.

Having previously been homeless myself I felt I could help others out of these circumstances and provide the smile we all need.

What do you feel are the main benefits of working with us?

Turning Tides offer so much to their employees. For me the training and development opportunities allow me to look into new areas for ‘out the box’ thinking. The job is flexible, which allows me to manage my own diary and the support from managers makes a for a very happy working environment.

What do you love about your job?

I love everything about my job! Being in the community and meeting new people, taking on challenges and going home at the end of the day knowing I have tried worked really hard to make a difference.

What would you say for anyone thinking of applying to work with us?

Go for it! It was the best move I ever made. Not only do I love my job – I have career opportunities, a supportive team and job satisfaction.