"I started working for BCHA in August of 2025 so I’m still learning about my role. I’m based at St. Paul’s, one of BCHA’s supported living schemes in Bournemouth, which supports those facing homelessness, have lived experience of drug or alcohol dependence, mental health issues or complex trauma issues. My role is evolving & progressing as I’m here longer and I’m learning every day. In general, my role has oversight of the scheme and the support that is provided. I oversee the service and am continually looking at ways to improve St. Paul’s by building on BCHA’s relationships and partnerships within the community.
"I’m lucky enough to have a brilliant senior coordinator, Lisa, who oversees the support side of St. Paul’s. We are currently recruiting and hope to have 8 full-time staff members once we’re fully staffed. We’re lucky to have a couple of part-time members of staff who are great for co-ordinating activities, hosting cooking workshops and helping us to get set up for seasonal celebrations like Christmas.
"I’ve worked in this sector for 10 years, working my way up from an agency worker to now a Senior Practitioner. Our work can be challenging but knowing that we’re making a difference makes it all worth it - we might not see it at the time, but we truly are."
We’re letting our customers know that we’re here for them, that they’ve got somewhere safe to sleep, that people care for them.
“I’ve worked in this sector for 10 years, working my way up from an agency worker to now a Senior Practitioner. Our work can be challenging but knowing that we’re making a difference makes it all worth it - we might not see it at the time, but we truly are.
"A saying I was taught is that you can plant a seed, you can water it and give it sunshine but it doesn’t mean it is going to grow straight away, but by planting the seed you are starting a journey. We’re letting our customers know that we’re here for them, that they’ve got somewhere safe to sleep, that people care for them. Many of our customers struggle with knowing people care for them, so that can be a long process, but it is extremely rewarding.
"I came to BCHA wanting to learn more, do more and help out more within my community. Being able to do something I am passionate about is something I strive for and being in the sector for 10 years has reaffirmed this. BCHA invest in the learning of its colleagues which is something I found really interesting when I first joined. The level of training given at the induction and the effort that is put into new colleagues at the start of their career is something that is vital – both for those starting their journey and for those coming from different organisations like myself."
I came to BCHA wanting to learn more, do more and help out more within my community. Being able to do something I am passionate about is something I strive for and being in the sector for 10 years has reaffirmed this.
"I think being person-centred, one of BCHA’s values, is integral when it comes to this kind of work – it comes with the territory. It is so important that we recognise that every single person is an individual and treated as such. Our team make sure we take time to learn about every individual, about who they are as a person and what may trigger them in different situations. It’s about asking, ‘when you are under the influence, or you’re distressed about something, how do you want me to help you deal with that?’. As someone with a disability and from my own life experiences, knowing BCHA champions inclusivity is something that I find special."
Feeling inspired and want to take a look at our current vacancies? Click the button below to visit our recruitment page and see how you can work for us here at BCHA.
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