I was temping from the age of 17 to 23 and in that time I built some strong friendships as well as learning a lot about the Stock markets and how fast they go up and down.

I finally came to the time in my life where I didn’t know whether I wanted to settle in a job, travel or just carry on with the temping and meeting new people. I felt a bit lost in where my life was going so after lots of thinking and speaking with family and friends to gain their advice I decided to get a permanent job. I ended up going to recruitment agencies to see if they had any permanent roles but unfortunately they didn’t. It was 6 months before a vacancy came up to work for Westminster Benefit Services. I started off in the role of an Over payment Recovery Officer, which I enjoyed as every phone call I dealt with was different and it was a challenge which I loved. It made me passionate about my job role, I felt that I was making a difference to those that were struggling. I continued in this role for a year and then another Job Vacancy arose within Westminster Benefit Service as a Benefit Assessment Officers. This entailed a 15 week intensive training course. At first I struggled with the school like environment and initially I wasn’t sure if I would be able to see it through, but I told myself to keep at it. I knew I needed to challenge myself and as a result I successfully completed the course as a fully trained Benefit Assessment Officer.

I finally felt I had found a job I could settle in. I have now been a Benefit Assessment Officer for 9 years and still love working with people. One of the things I have learnt from working with people, in particular those that are vulnerable and struggling, is that everyone needs a ‘listening ear’ and with the right support they are able to build a positive, meaningful future. My passion is to continue to help people in anyway I can possible.

I have known Michael Brown for a couple of years now. He introduced me to Community Interventions, their aims and objectives and I was able to witness first hand the rewarding work that they do. I knew straight away that I wanted to be involved and be part of the Community Interventions team as both Kate and Michael are both passionate people in the work they do and have already accomplished a lot in a short space of time.

I’m proud to have been given this opportunity that will enable me to help support those that are most vulnerable in our society.