My journey to Simon Community has been shaped by a wide range of experiences, all centred around supporting people.
I spent seven years living in Australia, where I worked as a pharmacy assistant and later in a dental clinic. Those roles taught me the importance of patience and empathy. They showed me how meaningful it can be to support people in practical, everyday ways.
After returning home, I moved into a role in Human Resources, working in Learning and Development. I supported staff with training and personal development, helping people grow in confidence and skills and contributing to positive, supportive working environments. I really enjoyed being part of people’s professional journeys.
Now, I work as an Accommodation and Community Support Worker with Simon Community, and I feel that all of my previous experience has naturally led me here. Every role I’ve had has focused on supporting others, and I’m grateful to now be part of a team that makes a direct difference in people’s lives every day.
My interest in this work is shaped in part by personal experience. Having seen how mental health challenges and addiction can deeply affect individuals and families, I understand how quickly circumstances can change and how complex people’s situations can be. That perspective has given me a strong sense of empathy and a belief in meeting people without judgement.
I feel it is a real privilege to support individuals during some of the most vulnerable periods in their lives and to be part of a service that offers stability and hope when it is needed most.
My role as a Support Worker is ever changing which is something I really value. Our Armagh service includes 23 hostel beds and seven self-contained flats, so no two shifts are ever the same. I act as a key worker for a number of clients, supporting them with individual support plans and working alongside them towards their goals.
A large part of my role involves working closely with the Housing Executive and supporting residents to move towards more permanent accommodation. We also focus on helping individuals build the skills and confidence they need to live independently, as well as linking them in with specialist services for mental health, addiction support, and other needs.
Alongside this, I really enjoy helping to organise small events and activities within the service, such as cook-ups and nature walks, which help build a sense of community. On Christmas Day, I helped organise dinner and create a welcoming atmosphere for residents. More recently, I attended the Youth Homelessness Strategy launch with a client who had contributed to its development, which was a very proud moment to witness.
One of the most challenging aspects of my role is supporting people at some of the lowest and most uncertain points in their lives, often due to circumstances beyond their control. It can be difficult to see the impact of the housing crisis and the growing number of people seeking help when resources are stretched.
At the same time, the most rewarding part of my job is seeing what can happen when people are given an opportunity. Watching someone grow in confidence, move into permanent accommodation, or take meaningful steps forward is incredibly motivating.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and to have a place they can call home. I believe stable housing is the foundation for rebuilding other areas of life, and that difficult circumstances do not define a person’s worth or potential. For me, it’s about offering consistent support, respect, and encouragement, and meeting people where they are with both practical help and hope.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I run regularly and love going for walks in nature, which helps me clear my head and recharge. I also enjoy road trips around Ireland, gardening, and spending time with my nieces and nephews. Catching up with friends and family is really important to me too.
One of my proudest moments at Simon Community was seeing a resident progress from living in our temporary accommodation, to moving into one of our self-contained flats, into full-time employment, and ultimately securing a permanent home of their own. What made it so meaningful was that this was achieved through their own hard work.
For anyone considering a career in this sector, I’d say you need patience and resilience. You won’t always see quick results, and progress takes time. It’s important to work with empathy, set healthy boundaries, and keep learning as you go. At the same time, it’s incredibly meaningful work. The moments of trust, progress, and connection make it all worthwhile.
If you’re looking for a role with purpose, a career at Simon Community could be your chance to change lives — just like Pamela does every day.