I joined Simon Community in January 2021, and looking back now, it’s hard to believe how much my journey has grown since then.
I started out as ESP (Emergency Staff Pool), working shifts across different services from Armagh to Belfast and up to Ballymena. It gave me a real insight into the work happening right across the organisation and helped me build experience quickly.
In 2023, I was based in Larne, where I spent around two and a half years developing my skills and confidence. That experience led me to apply for the role of Senior Practitioner, and I’m now based between our Armagh and Newry services.
Before joining Simon Community, I worked in retail as a shop assistant. In 2020, I experienced my own mental health challenges, and the support I received during that time had a huge impact on me. It made me realise how powerful the right support can be at the right time. It inspired me to want to give something back by helping others.
Today, I work as a Senior Practitioner, a role that sits between Senior Support Worker and Assistant Manager. For me, this role is all about being consistent, honest, and reliable. I want the people we work with to know that I’m real, trustworthy, and respectful especially when they’re at their most vulnerable.
Across both sites, I support staff teams by offering guidance, advice, and practical help, so they feel confident in their work and can provide the best possible support. I use my experience to help staff respond to complex needs and challenging situations in a calm, trauma-informed, and person-centred way. I also support the Accommodation Manager with the day-to-day running of the service to make sure everything operates smoothly.
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing the people we support move on from our services into their own homes. Watching people rebuild their lives and regain their independence is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s a real reminder that the work we do makes a difference. Alongside that, progressing from part-time work to my current role is something I’m really proud of and reflects how much I’ve grown within the organisation.
Of course, the job isn’t without its challenges. Every day is different, and we often work with people facing very complex issues. Supporting clients who display challenging behaviours can be demanding, but it also reinforces the importance of patience and consistency showing compassion in everything we do.
This work is important to me because it gives me purpose. I like knowing that what I do matters and that I’m contributing to something bigger than myself. It keeps me motivated, helps me grow, and gives me real pride in my work. I value doing things properly, being reliable, and earning my progress through hard work.
Outside of work, I make sure to switch off properly. I enjoy having time to reset, do things I enjoy, and just be myself without pressure. That balance helps me stay grounded and stops work stress carrying into my personal life.
One of my proudest moments at Simon Community has been seeing the impact I make every day, building trust, being someone people can rely on, and knowing I’ve made a difference.
Another highlight has been being part of the team that organised PRIDE within the organisation. Being involved in something that celebrates inclusion, community, and visibility, and working together towards a shared goal, was incredibly meaningful and something I’ll always be proud of.
For anyone thinking about a career in this sector, my advice would be to come in with an open mind and realistic expectations. The work can be challenging, but if you care about people, stay consistent, and are willing to learn, it’s incredibly rewarding. Skills can be taught but empathy, patience, and integrity are what really matter.
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.