platform 1

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I believe that my life experiences have formatted my thoughts and opinions and that the combination of all my learning and experiences have led me to Platform 1

In paid employment since 1966, much of my early previous employment was based around Financial Services. At times my mental and physical health gave me challenges. These factors did, however, provide great learning opportunities and also, helped direct my career changes. I worked in the energy sector as a manager until further health issues led me to move onto less stressful work (joke)

So, then I worked extensively with children including children with disabilities and special needs. I was enticed to work with challenging individuals with behaviour issues (less stressful)

Then I was encouraged into Playwork which led to me being involved in management, training and assessment. My education progressed and I obtained a couple of degrees in Playwork and a first in Leadership and Management. (immature student)

After, I retired I developed further mental health issues and suffered from my own self- medication. My journey through recovery led me to become a recovery champion, peer support volunteer and group leader. I became an addiction counsellor.

My personal history has allowed me to achieve many more skills that direct my attitude to work and life, skills that are useful particularly, when things go wrong. I use these skills every day!

I am no longer retired.

I have worked previously all around the country, as a General Manager and then as Technical Trainer and Technical Content developer. 

I joined Platform 1 in 2018 and it has been a Journey for myself and also helping the guys. Not just with the IT but pyrography and other arty stuff.

It puts a smile on your face when a simple act can help someone out. That’s us at Platform 1 virtually every day.

I like playing the Guitar, Whittling and exploring the Yorkshire countryside with my dog. Oh I keep snakes as well. 

  I am Responsible for many clerical and admin tasks at Platform 1.

I love games of all kinds and regularly uses them as a way to engage people in discussions.

I grew up in rural Norfolk, I have a degree in Games Design, and I worked in retail for over a decade but I hope to make a difference in the member’s lives.

I have had a varied career, working in joinery, mental health and education. I decided to retire in 2016, but there has been no sign of this happening as yet?

I now spend my days sat in a cabin talking to lots of people while wearing shorts and trying to avoid admin! But not necessarily in that order.

 I joined the Platform 1 team in April 2019 as a volunteer and have  taken on the role of Crisis Support Lead. I previously worked in a primary school for six years and have supported family members through mental health difficulties for the last 13 years.

I am currently training as a Counsellor and will qualify this year (2021). I support clients with addiction in Dewsbury every week and am in the middle of training as a bereavement counsellor too.

My role at Platform 1 is not just about supporting our guys but also to build in them the resilience and confidence they need to find their own solutions to difficulties.

I like to sew and knit and have 2 cats, 2 dogs and 3 Bearded Dragons.

I work as part of the crisis team here at Platform 1. Most of my working life has been spent in education, working in schools and referral units in West Yorkshire. During this time, I worked closely with pastoral staff, including counsellors and experienced the many positives that listening to both pupils and staff brought. I began to believe that this could be a worthwhile career and enrolled on level 2,3 and finally 4 & 5 counselling skills at Kirklees college. I will qualify as a counsellor this year (2021) and I am looking forward to using these skills and gaining more experience here at Platform 1. 

In my spare time, I like to paint, walk my dogs and spend time gardening. I two daughters and a partner. 

I recently joined Platform 1 to help raise funds for this passionate and hardworking charity. I am inspired by charitable causes that can make a real difference to people’s lives and Platform 1 definitely does this. I have 30 years-experience of working in the voluntary sector primarily in Grants and Trusts fundraising and love the challenge this type of work brings. When I’m not working, I am often found at Old Trafford watching Manchester United as my photo shows. I’m fortunate to live in the Peak District and spend much of my time walking and watching football.