Gemma McMahon joined Simon Community in March 2022 and works in our Housing First for Youth service in Belfast.
“Most of my working life has been spent in hospitality. I trained as a chef in my 20s and spent many happy years working in restaurants around Belfast. Hospitality is very fast-paced and helps you learn how to work under pressure.”
It was after the Covid pandemic that Gemma found herself wanting a change.
“I was really looking for a new direction. I’ve always wanted to work in something more socially minded, with a focus on affecting change in our communities. I applied to Simon Community for a support worker role, and I’ve never looked back!”
Now, Gemma manages the day-to-day operations of a team of support workers at Housing First For Youth. The service works with young people aged 16 and over, helping them secure homes and learn the skills to live independently.
“Every day here is different, which I love! Being able to help support these young people as they start off in their adult lives is a real privilege.”
The job comes with both joy and challenge.
“The best part of my job is seeing young people thrive, no matter their background or the problems they’re facing. We’ve supported some of our young people from age 16, and watching them grow into wonderful, capable adults is truly amazing.
“But we also face constant roadblocks, especially when trying to access services our young people need. A lot of them experience mental health problems, and getting them the care they’re entitled to can be challenging when services are stretched and underfunded. It’s heartbreaking to see people being failed by systems that don’t recognise or value what they need.”
As a mother herself, Gemma knows the pressures of balancing home and work life.
“On a personal note, as any mother will know, trying to work full time in a job you are passionate about is a challenge in itself whilst raising your own family. I would love to see more supports for mothers in the workplace across all sectors.”
Amidst the demands of her role, Gemma finds grounding in the everyday moments she shares with her children.
“Relax?! I think if you have young kids you can barely relax for a second. But spending time with them does help me switch off from work and brings a real sense of perspective and gratitude.”
“This work is really important to me because I think we can do better, not just our organisation but society in general. Marginalised people are often forgotten or put in a box and told they’ll never amount to anything. I’ve seen first-hand how support networks can change someone’s life and show them other options are possible.
“I see our support workers giving people hope every day, and it’s so valuable.”
When asked about her proudest moment at Simon Community, Gemma’s answer is full of admiration for her team.
“I’m proud every day, to be honest. Our support workers continually put themselves at risk out in the community because they care so much about our young people. I’ve worked as a support worker and I know it’s not easy. I’m so proud of the way this team comes together in really challenging times to find empathy and compassion for our young people, even when the going gets tough.”
And for anyone considering a similar path?
“I would say do it. You may think you don’t have enough experience or haven’t worked in this field before, but really all you need is an interest in helping people, bucketloads of empathy, and a drive to make real changes for those who need it most.”
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating Gemma, and all the incredible mums working across our services.