So, the alarm goes, it’s time to get ready for school and work!  I live in a busy house and, like us all, we are against the clock.  Trying to make sure everyone eats something and that they have what they need for the day is the main focus, oh and getting out of the door of course!!

Every morning is the same, but we get there in the end.  I drop them off at the school gates, and now it’s time for me to head to work.  Sometimes, I am grateful for that extra traffic in the mornings so that I can come back down from the hectic morning rush, and it allows me to focus on the day when I get to the office.

I am really lucky to have the job I have at Behaviour Support Hub, I guess it’s because I get to meet people, and no two days are ever the same.  I often meet parents who are reaching out for support when they find they have nowhere else to turn, and when we begin to speak, you can tell that they are overwhelmed.  Sometimes, just somebody listening to them can help, we see physical signs that they feel better having talked to someone who wants to listen.  A smile on their face begins to form as they know we understand them.

Today is a busy day, I have our Peer Support Meeting and this is one of my favourite sessions that we run. Before I get to the session, I ensure that the room is set up, it’s warm, welcoming and comfortable, and that the kettle is on! I collect the paperwork needed and wait for the first parent to arrive.  One by one they arrive, some familiar faces and some new, but I already know that everyone in the room has something in common. The two hours pass quickly as I let everyone know about what is happening for our service and what support they can access.  I then listen to the parents who want to speak about their situation and try to advise and support them the best I can.  I sit back and observe this bit mostly as the parents really do support each other – this is what I love to see!  Again, you can just tell people have left with the weight on their shoulders being just a little bit less!

If you fancy joining our Community Peer Support Groups, please get in touch.

I head back to the office and quickly eat some lunch. Then it’s time to catch up on the ‘paperwork’ there is a lot that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to make our service work. From fundraising to data and evaluation work, one-to-one support, and developing new programmes. So, this afternoon, I will work on updating our workshops.  It is vital that we try to meet the needs of our parents, so online workshops are a new development for us. So, the next few hours are spent putting into words what we are hearing from our parents.  Quite a few cups of tea will be consumed during this time, and more than a few laughs and jokes will be shared within our wonderful team.  As I reach the end of the day, I check what is planned for tomorrow and I know that it will be another busy one, but I also know that it will be a good one.

I will meet more fantastic parent carers who are reaching out for help at one of the most difficult times, but who are doing the best job in supporting their children. I know that if I am able to pass on my knowledge and experience that makes a difference, even in the smallest way, I have done something right.

I head home, and again that car journey allows me to process the day and get ready for the madness that awaits me at home.  It’s a busy life being a mother and a Service Delivery Manager at Behaviour Support and I know how important it is to take time out for myself, so I will fit in a walk tonight, just for me, but I also know that I wouldn’t change any of it.

I love my job, and the people I work with, and I go again tomorrow!