From serving country to community
School and I were never really best friends, and when I left with one GCSE in English, there was only one option that appealed to me and that was to join the army. Little did I know that this would be the foundation for a second career. I left the army after eight years as I got married to another soldier and when both of you serve, life becomes more difficult.
Upon leaving the army, I found a job as a part-time detached youth worker with the local authority, working with young people aged 13 and above – and it was then I knew I wanted to do this full time.
I secured a job as a community development worker with the Ministry of Defence and over the next three years studied at Brunel University for a DipHE in youth and community work.
Moving to Germany
During my last year, a position became available in Germany. As I’d served there in the army, I jumped at the chance, knowing some of the issues effecting service children and young people. The role was different from that in the UK – I had a staff team, youth clubs to run, community houses, after-school clubs, award groups and summer schemes to manage and deliver. It was a demanding role and a world away from detached youth work. The overriding demographics of the army is young meaning that the majority of my work was play work, and I studied for an NVQ 3 in play work to ensure age-appropriate activities were delivered. After leaving the army, I applied for the youth support co-ordinator role with Teenage Cancer Trust. When I was successful, I was so happy.
Moving to Teenage Cancer Trust
I have been in post for three years. I’d never worked in a health-based setting before and walking onto a teenage unit for the first time is something I will never forget. The young people I work with have a cancer diagnosis and are aged 13-18. They surprise me every day: their positivity, drive, determination and acceptance. I am in a privileged position, a position of trust when a young person is at their most vulnerable. It is my role to advocate for them and to ensure they have access to the things that will make their time in hospital easier. I support the clinical staff and enable young people to talk to others who are going through something similar. I provide peer support activities – these are what get young people through by shared experience and finding themselves as teenagers.
Plenty of poignant moments
I have recently been recognised with an award, which I was very surprised to receive. This involved attending a virtual awards ceremony with Teenage Cancer Trust honorary patrons HRH’s Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, which was amazing and surreal.
I have worked with so many amazing young people, but one young man who at first didn’t want to engage really stands out. Over time, I gained his trust and was able to advocate on his behalf. He taught me how to listen and that sometimes silence is okay.
This role has taught me so much. You have to be able to listen, having a sense of humour is essential and a close staff team when things get tough. To be able to make a difference in these young people’s lives is such a privilege –there really isn’t another job like it.
TOP THREE CAREER TIPS
- Don’t fear the unknown – one career move can lead to another
- Rise to the challenge – coronavirus meant the pause button was hit. However, cancer doesn’t stop for anything. We looked at different ways to reach out – as youth workers, you think on your feet
- Self-development – no two days are the same in hospital. Young people cope with a cancer diagnosis is different ways. They teach me new ways to communicate every day
