From ESP to Senior Practitioner – Matthew’s Journey

Matthew joined Simon Community in January 2021, beginning his journey in our Emergency Staff Pool (ESP). Working shifts across services in Armagh, Belfast, and Ballymena gave him a broad understanding of homelessness support and the diverse needs across different communities. This early experience helped him build confidence quickly and discover where his strengths lay.

In 2023, Matthew moved into our Larne, 20 bed space, adult temporary accommodation service, where he continued to develop professionally over two and a half years. His growth and commitment led him to apply for the role of Senior Practitioner – a position he now holds across our Armagh and Newry temporary accommodation services each with 30 and 17 bedspaces respectively.

Before joining Simon Community, Matthew worked in retail and experienced his own challenges with mental health. He reflects that:

“The support I received had a huge impact on me.”

Noting that it inspired him to help others in the same way.

“It made me realise how powerful the right support can be at the right time.”

As a Senior Practitioner – a role positioned between Senior Support Worker and Assistant Manager – Matthew provides guidance, leadership, and stability across both services. He plays a key role in supporting staff teams, helping them respond to complex needs in a calm, trauma‑informed, and person‑centred way. He also assists the Accommodation Manager with day‑to‑day operations to ensure services run smoothly.

For Matthew, consistency and integrity are central to the role. He says:

“I want the people we work with to know that I’m real, trustworthy, and respectful, especially when they’re at their most vulnerable.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of his role is seeing individuals move from temporary accommodation into homes of their own. Watching people rebuild their lives and regain independence gives Matthew a strong sense of purpose. He also takes pride in his own development, progressing from part‑time work to a senior role within just a few years.

The work can be challenging. Matthew supports people facing a range of complex issues, and some days require significant patience and resilience. But he believes this reinforces the importance of compassionate, consistent support:

“Every day is different, but showing patience and compassion is vital.”

A highlight of his time at Simon Community has been helping organise the organisation’s PRIDE celebration. Being part of an initiative that champions inclusion and community was really meaningful for him. Another ongoing source of pride is seeing the impact he makes daily, building trust, supporting people during difficult times, and being someone clients and colleagues can rely on.

Outside of work, Matthew focuses on maintaining a healthy balance, taking time to recharge and enjoy activities that help him stay grounded. This separation allows him to continue supporting clients and staff with energy and empathy.

For anyone considering a career in this sector, Matthew offers honest advice:

“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.”

He believes that while technical skills can be taught, what really matter is:

“Empathy, patience, and integrity.”

If you’re looking for a role with purpose, a career at Simon Community could be your chance to change lives – just like Matthew does every day.