Amiee Barnett, Registered Manager at Lily’s Place

I would describe myself as Dependable, Knowledgeable and Passionate.

It’s hard to remember a time before Diverse Abilities as I have now worked here for over 20 years. I started my career working in a residential home for adults with learning disabilities before then spending a few years working at a school for children with Autism before starting my journey at Diverse Abilities. I originally started as a child support worker at Smithers, now Lily’s Place. I did this alongside going to university to get my degree in social work. After qualifying I was planning to practice social work but instead, I became a lead support before eventually becoming the registered manager for Lily’s Place 12 years ago.

As the registered manager I am responsible for ensuring that Lily’s Place is meeting all the regulatory requirements that keep our children and young people safe and supported during their overnight short breaks. I help ensure that we build good working relationships with the families and professionals that are involved with the children and young people supported at Lily’s Place as well as ensuring that we have trained staff who are able to meet the children’s needs but most importantly willing to have lots of fun.

Covid was by far one of the most challenging times for us as a service. There was a lot of uncertainty and fear at that time, and it was challenging to know how to best deal with the ever-changing world at that time. I am really proud of the fact that because of the wonderful staff team that we had and their dedication to the children and families we support, Lily’s Place was the only local respite service that remained open. This allowed us to give vital support to the families that really needed it especially when everything else which had previously been a part of normal life had stopped. Lily’s Place really did become its own safe little bubble which wouldn’t have been possible if we all hadn’t pulled together to make it happen.

My fondest memories are always from time spent directly with the children. I can remember running around what was the old Smithers carrying one of the children to help them have a pillow fight. Or the time we put on our own version of The Greatest Showman using the hoist as a trapeze or going camping with a group of children and waking to have one young lady who had rolled herself over to me in the tent tapping me on the forehead and smiling down at me at 5am. I have so many wonderful memories of the many children and young people whose journey I have been fortunate enough to be a part of.

My advice for new starters is to have a good sense of humour, a can-do attitude and most importantly a willingness to have fun.