Meet Hannah, Manager for Shapes and Transitions Services

I would describe myself as caring, dedicated and passionate.

Before joining Diverse Abilities, I worked in a village store and post office. I had studied health and social care at college and knew I wanted to progress into a career working with children and young people. A colleague at the village store had a bank contract with Diverse Abilities and was working on project sessions. I applied for a child support worker role, and started in January 2016.

I am now the manager of Shapes, our children’s domiciliary service, and our Transitions service - Shapes Transition, a day service for 18-30 year olds and Lawford Lodge, a respite service for 18-25 year olds. I am responsible for the daily running of the services, ensuring everyone in our care is being supported to a high standard and having their needs met. As well as making sure they are compliant with our regulatory body, CQC.

I think my biggest challenge was around Covid. We had to drastically change our way of working throughout Covid which was hard. At the time I was a lead support and we were trained in testing others and mask fitting. Once the world returned to some kind of normal, we faced difficulties with recruitment. As a team we worked really heard to support each other, and make the best of a tricky time for everyone.

My favourite memories have to be the activities we’ve done. I remember one summer when working as a lead support, we had themed days. One day we did the Greatest Showman, all the young people were a character from the Greatest Showman and we spent the morning making costumes and decorating the playroom. In the afternoon we performed the show - singing and dancing to all the songs. The young people had the best time! Another day we had a talent show, where every young person and their 1:1 did a performance for the others. We had singing, dancing, circus skills and a clown. Seeing the smiles on the young people’s faces was the best!

I have only been in the role a few months, so I have lots to learn. I am looking forward to learning more, growing the services and helping to support more young people.

My advice for new starters is to go in with an open mind. No two days are the same but we have a lot of fun working with the most inspirational and resilient children and young people.