Jen's story

My interest in social care and social work started from a young age, stemming from my own personal experiences with understanding mine and my sibling’s adoption. I remember being very curious of the social workers and felt that as a career it must be rewarding, but not really at the time understanding the pressures it brings too.

I backpacked around the world before I started university and knew whilst I was away that I wanted to go into a career that made a difference in some way, shape, or form.  At university I studied Social Studies and Sociology and carried out my placement at an alcohol and drug dependency service. This is also where I carried out my dissertation. However, it was during my work experience with a variety of charities whilst at university and also when I graduated that I realised I was interested in working within the charity sector and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.

 I am passionate about the work that I do within the charity and social sector. In the day I work for AYME (The Association of Young People with ME), a national charity providing direct support, advice and information to parents, carers, young people, and professionals. I work alongside our CEO with national organisations and specialist services on a range of projects, and I am the main point of contact for them. I also manage and support a team of volunteers throughout their work, help them enhance their skills and promote their confidence in building up their CV's for the future. These are inspirational members who have ME/CFS themselves and dedicate their time to help fellow sufferers through the volunteering jobs they do for AYME.  

My role at AYME is varied and requires me to be proactive, at the same time making sure anyone who comes through to us is left feeling empowered and with a greater sense that we understand and will campaign for better access to health care services, education, and research for them.

I also run a youth group for our local AYME members based in Milton Keynes. We launched this in March 2013 with the support of ‘Women in Work’, a fantastic charity in Milton Keynes, and the support of ‘The Buszy’ another wonderful charity that do great work with young people and the community. The focus here is to bring local young people together who have ME­/CFS­. One of the main themes that have become apparent from establishing this group, is the sense of belonging and friendship amongst them. I can see the friendships that have been formed are strong and the members hold a real sense of ownership towards the group. I recognise the importance of setting up services like this as it really does help to reduce isolation that so many feel and have felt along the way.

In the evenings I have to put on my other ‘hat. I work for a local organisation that supports children with disabilities, behavioural problems, and other complex health issues either within their home or out in the community. Providing hands on support, updating careplans, ensuring the needs of the family are being met and in most cases respite for the parents and family. This vital support is funded via the local Social Services through direct payments. It is also about teaching children with complex issues safe boundaries and provides them with an opportunity to lead an independent life by teaching them the social skills that they will need. This can be achieved through a range of fun and interactive activities.

So, from supporting someone who is either struggling with a diagnosis of ME/CFS, a parent who may be upset and has a million questions going around in their head (why my child, what can I do, where do we go from here), to giving an exhausted parent the opportunity to have some sleep or spend much needed quality time with their other child/partner - this is what I do.

My days can be very tiring but knowing I have worked hard and hopefully making some difference, makes it all worthwhile.