EMail

info@communityinterventions.co.uk

Telephone

07444 804154

Our Team

Michael Brown

Managing Director

“Community Interventions’ is motivated by the will to do good in society.”

I have two brothers and two sisters, all of whom have grown up to become positive, productive members of society. I left school with seven GCSE’s, however uninspired by life my thinking, attitude and behaviour became damaging to myself, my loved ones and society. My obsessive and compulsive behaviour led to numerous destructive habits.

Through numerous rehabilitation programmes I began to explore the reasons behind my destructive behaviour and came to the understanding that my anti-social activities were a temporary solution to the discontentment in my life, driven by fear, resentment and selfishness.

In order to rehabilitate, I had to be vigorously honest with myself and still do, enabling me to find a positive direction in my life and breaking the cycle of destructive thinking, attitude and behaviour.

I am very enthusiastic and passionate in sharing my experiences and solutions with a view to be of benefit and service to others and those who may well be affected. The outcome I wish for is that those, especially the youth, give pause for thought and turn off the road to perdition and become positive, constructive and productive members of society. No matter how far down the road of destruction one may feel they have gone, change for the better is possible.

Kate Szostak

Director of Housing Operations, Senior Key Worker

Before studying Psychology at A-level, I had very little awareness of what the subject truly involved. However, it quickly became something I was deeply passionate about and eager to explore further. My interest in human behaviour, thought processes, and decision-making led me to continue my education by completing a degree in Psychology.

Early on in my studies, I found myself particularly drawn to the behavioural model of psychology and became fascinated by the reasons behind people’s behaviours and actions. As my studies progressed, I developed a greater appreciation for the strong connection between cognitive and behavioural Psychology, recognising how closely our thinking patterns, attitudes, and behaviours are linked. This understanding continues to play a significant role in the way I support the individuals I work with today.

Following the completion of my Psychology degree, I later returned to university to complete a Master’s degree in Criminology, further developing my understanding of behaviour, social influences, and the factors that can impact people’s lives and choices.

Michael and I first crossed paths over a decade ago, and although we come from backgrounds with very different personal experiences, we quickly recognised a shared passion — a genuine commitment and dedication to helping others improve their lives and circumstances for the better. We initially began working with young people, where I was able to put many of the psychological skills and approaches I had learned into practice. Not long afterwards, an opportunity arose to work within supported housing for vulnerable adults — something we both fully embraced.

For the first time, I truly realised that I could make the kind of meaningful difference in people’s lives that Michael and I had always spoken about. Today, I combine my knowledge of psychology with my experience of supporting vulnerable individuals, focusing on the relationship between thinking, attitude, behaviour, and decision-making. My aim is to support empower individuals to make positive choices, build confidence and independence, and move forward towards living productive, fulfilling, and positive lives within their communities and sustaining independence.

Desmond Oldham

Senior Housing Management Officer

Prior to engaging with a sponsor and working the 12 STEP program, my life was chaotic and unmanageable. I feel that my lived experience puts me in a good position to be able to support others who find themselves in similar circumstances that I once found myself in. I am able to relate to those that walk through the door but more importantly I am able to offer hope to those that have lost their way. I am living proof that change is possible.

Today, life is very different. I am now working permitted hours. I take care of myself, I am responsible and accountable but most importantly I am there for my children today.

Jodie Palfrey

Central Administration and Housing Support

I’m a recruitment officer for Community Interventions. I grew up in South London and went to St Saviours and St Olave secondary school where I left with 7 GCSE’s in 2004. I didn’t really enjoy secondary school as I thought I wasn’t learning anything that I was particularly interested in, so I left school with my 7 GCSE’s and started temping from the age of 17.

I worked in various Banks and Stockbrokers over the City meeting a wide variety of people whom I learnt a lot from. I always knew I wanted a job where every day was different and one of the things I love most is the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, everyone I came across had a different story to tell.

Lya Hall

Central Administration and Housing Support

I grew up in Bolton in Lancashire but I moved around quite a bit. After graduating in Accounting and Finance from John Moores University, I decided to continue with my education as I had really enjoyed University life.

Whilst studying MSc Finance at the University of Liverpool, I became interested in the public sector and I realised I wanted to have a career that would enable me to give back to the community. This led me to apply to a local government graduate scheme in the midlands where I successfully secured a place as a trainee accountant.

Andrew Osborne

Housing Management Officer

Having been released from prison, I was inducted into Community interventions CIC supported housing.  I had spent over 30 years in active addiction and was finally ready to change my life for the better.  Community Interventions CIC introduced me to the recovery process and from here I began my journey.  Along with engaging and completing the 12 STEP program with my sponsor, I was given key works and support to implement both short and long term goals with my own individual Care Plan.  The wrap around support enhanced my prospects.  I was immediately given a design to live my life free of addiction and the behaviours that resulted from that.

As a result of the positive steps taken to action my recovery my life has changed for the better in all areas.  My life no longer impacts on the community in a harmful way but instead I aspire to continue to support others in the community, just as I was supported.  The training that I have embarked on has built my confidence and self esteem as well as giving the all important knowledge to be of service to others.  My relationships with others are today healthy and I surround myself with positive peers.

From being homeless to now being able to house myself independently, today I am grateful for the present and looking forward to the future.

Andrew

Shaquila

Key Work, Housing Support Officer

I have maintained a longstanding interest in Psychology, which has motivated me to pursue this career path.

My academic background spans A levels and diploma courses, reflecting my ongoing commitment to expand the range of demographics with whom I can work. My experience with people in recovery, via third hand experience, which is aligned with my studies, enhances my ability to support individuals with addiction and those in recovery.

My purpose today is to help those that are disadvantaged in our community and to support around complex needs to ensure that everyone is given equal opportunity to be able to go on and live a productive life.

Aimee Szostak

Admin / Community Engagement and Partnership Lead

I am passionate about supporting individuals affected by addiction and helping them move towards a healthier, more stable future. Although I am not someone who has personally struggled with addiction, I have experienced the impact it can have through past relationships with a partner who battled substance misuse. This gave me a deep understanding of the emotional strain, challenges, and consequences addiction can have not only on the individual, but also on families and loved ones around them.

These experiences inspired me to pursue a role where I can support others with empathy, understanding, and compassion. I am particularly passionate about helping individuals rebuild their confidence, strengthen family relationships, and create positive change within their lives. I believe recovery is about more than overcoming addiction — it is about rebuilding self-worth, improving wellbeing, restoring connections, and helping people become active, positive members of their communities. A key aspect in supporting individuals to be able to achieve this is to ensure that there are strong partnerships with other supporting agencies and greater community cohesion strengthening the support network around those in recovery.  My skills and ability to effectively communicate with professionals enhances the opportunities for developing the support needed for individuals to gain emotional stability and the ability to move on into their own homes.

My aim is to support individuals in recognising their potential, achieving their goals, and building a prosperous and fulfilling future for themselves and their families.

Jamie-Leigh Oldham

Housing Management Support Officer

I have a personal understanding of the impact addiction can have on families as both my parents struggled with addiction in the past, but through the support program they are now living a different, happier, healthy lifestyle.  What they have been able to achieve, and the level of independence is beyond recognisable.

Second chances are something I strongly believe in.  Community Interventions CIC supported housing provides an environment that is safe and stable, all things that are conducive to an individuals’ recovery, allowing them the opportunity to start over and build something positive. 

I believe the support that I can deliver through Community Interventions CIC will support individuals to gain the confidence, independence and more positive outlook on their future when leaving supported housing.