“I started working at BCHA in January 2025 and have multiple roles: a Complex Needs Support Worker and a Homeless Hospital Discharge Coordinator and I am part of the Next Steps Accommodation Programme (NSAP). These are all based in the Plymouth area and I split my week across the roles.
"I work with 3 other support workers with our manager, Hannah. We also work collaboratively as part of the Plymouth Outreach Team. Everyone is amazing to work with. You’re never alone in BCHA and our team morale is always high – I think this is down to our business manager Jules, who makes sure everyone is informed and supported. Jules always makes sure we are staying focused on our customers but keeps our wellbeing at the forefront of everything which I really appreciate.
"On Mondays I am based in the community, visiting my NSAP customers. NSAP customers hold a tenancy with BCHA for 3 years, during which time customers are offered support until independent living is sustainable. This includes helping with administrative tasks like setting up bills and making GP appointments, but also with practical skills like doing a food shop and maintaining their property.
"Tuesdays and Thursdays I am based in the hospital, where any patient who is homeless is referred to our team. We complete assessments to make sure patients are suitable for housing and help contact the local Council. If granted temporary accommodation, from the Council, usually in a Bed and Breakfast (B&B), BCHA then provide support for 6 weeks to work with our customer to move forward."
To me, working for BCHA means working hard – but the work is completely rewarding. I feel so proud to say I work for this company and am proud of the collective work we do.
"BCHA work within the Plymouth Alliance to help make finding accommodation possible for those leaving hospital. If a customer is fleeing abuse or dealing with addictions, the transition to a new home can be really isolating which can lead to a return to old behaviours. We prioritise having a support session before the weekend to ensure our customer feels settled and know who to contact if they are struggling.
"I started my working life as a beautician, so coming to this job was a huge change. By week 2, I knew I had made the right decision - I care, have empathy and want to do good for those around me and this job champions that. You may not move mountains every day, but every small win is celebrated. My customers’ drive to move forward and get up every day inspires me to do the same. There isn’t always a clear or easy path forward, but our team always remains purposeful in our efforts to move people forward. People sometimes drop in and out of our services, but our teams are always there to welcome people back and reset their journey forward."
"As a neurodiverse individual, diagnosed with ADHD and severe dyslexia, I am so grateful for how BCHA are always inclusive. My team support me with the admin if I need it and my manager always makes sure I am given plenty of time needed to do my work. My team are happy to proofread my work and make sure I am coming across correctly. It has always been a fear of mine that my struggle with literacy will hold me back but knowing BCHA support and back me, and anyone with a disability or additional needs, is so gratifying.
"One of my biggest achievements is winning the Moved A Mountain award at this year's BChangemakers ceremony. I felt so special and was so pleased to have been recognised. I definitely shed a few tears and the entire day was just so memorable.
"Something else I’m also proud of is being recognised by the NHS trust for my perseverance with a difficult situation. A young, vulnerable girl without accommodation was admitted to hospital but was from another county. I contacted Harbour Housing, based in Cornwall, did her assessment and worked hard for her to engage. I spoke with the ward about her vulnerability to make sure she wasn’t discharged without a home. I was recognised for using my initiative and empathy for something that I could have just said was nothing to do with me and the young woman is now in more stable accommodation in Cornwall."
What makes BCHA so special is the fact that we are person-centred – every team, job or opportunity given is always to make sure our customers are at the heart of everything we do.
"I have an affinity with younger people facing homelessness. I am only 21 and recognise that young people are facing situations that could easily be ones I end up facing. If you don’t have a support network or a stable income, life can be quite difficult to maintain. I am a huge advocate for post-care support – there seems to be so much support till you are 18 and then not much in place for a support system.
"I love that everyone in BCHA is so passionate about the customers we support. Everyone is here because they love their job and what makes BCHA so special is the fact that we are person-centred – every team, job or opportunity given is always to make sure our customers are at the heart of everything we do.
"To me, working for BCHA means working hard – but the work is completely rewarding. I feel so proud to say I work for this company and am proud of the collective work we do. I am so proud of my customers and have learned so much from them and BCHA and I go to sleep every day feeling proud of myself and my resilience."
Niamh has now secured a brand-new role within BCHA as a Housing First Officer. Niamh said "I am so excited to start my new role - I will be working with the most entrenched cohort and helping them to maintain a tenancy on their own.This is a step up for me within my career and I am looking forward to seeing how I learn and progress throughout my time within the organisation."
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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