What did you want to do when you were younger?
Initially I wanted to be a vet but I didn’t get the necessary grades. I wanted to do lots of different things when I was younger. I didn’t have any burning ambition or knowledge. However when I was 15 I found out about Social Work and wanted to help people.
I didn’t train to do Social Work until I was 30, I did lots of different jobs beforehand including office work, waitressing and bar work.
How did you become a Social Worker?
I started off doing support work with adults with learning disabilities and then employment support. After that I did the two year Diploma in Social Work . Initially I specialised in childcare but mental health goes across the whole gamut. It’s really been like a progression, I didn’t go into social work wanting to stay in one area. I feel that mental health is closest to old style social work with people, we are the resource.
What is the most rewarding aspect of the job?
When people tell me what I have done has helped them. Sometimes it feels like we go from crisis to crisis and lose sight of this.
What is the part of the job you least like?
Sometimes feeling like there are not enough variety of resources to help people tap into.
What would you change about the job if you could?
I would say more workers so you could spend more time with individuals. A smaller case load. Reducing stigma.
What would a typical day involve?
There aren’t any typical days they are all different.
Do you feel social workers get a bad press?
Yes and No. I feel we only make it into the press when something goes wrong. The profession is unfairly judged at times. The baby P case seemed to focus on social workers as opposed to doctors, nurses or health visitors.
How do you feel about having to section people?
It’s a huge responsibility. I try and approach it in as human a way as I can. I don’t like assessing people under the Mental Health Act but it is part of my job.
Why don’t you like doing it?
It’s the quickest way to deprive someone of their liberty apart from the anti-terrorism laws. It’s a huge responsibility and some situations seem clearer than others. I try and ask can we do things a different way but it’s not always possible.
What are your hopes for the future of mental health?
I would like to see services being built up. Moving more towards Recovery there is a huge role for experts by experience to play. I’d like to see services being more defined by service-users and families and members of the community, with more variety of services on offer. I’d like to see them being built up but I suspect they will be pulled down to to budget cuts.
What do you think have been the greatest successes in the mental health field during your time as a social worker?
The move towards a more integrated Recovery model rather than just medicating people.
What do you think can be d0ne to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness?
The media uses a lot of negative language and focuses the front page where something terrible has happened. The media plays a huge part in this. With regard to employers, people need to come out and share their experiences which is a really positive thing to do. Greater tolerance is needed so that mental illness is viewed the same way as physical illness. We all need to be more tolerant.
What would you be if you weren’t a social worker?
My fantasy job is to be a celebrity florist being flown all around the world doing flowers. This is a bit tongue in cheek as I’ve not really thought about it – that’s my fantasy alternative!
What is your motto for life?
Keep on breathing and living in the hope it might/will get better.
What is the best thing anyone has ever taught you?
Yawning as a way to destress. Animals and children yawn freely, a really good yawn is as good as 40 winks.
Where is your happy place?
Seeing all the children together and having a meal around the table.
I'm a married mum of one, living in Wirral. Interested in cooking, growing stuff to eat and fitness. Have Bipolar Disorder but it doesn't stop me leading a full and productive life. 
