Michael Brown

‘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

Life took me down an educational route. I always had a passion for working with vulnerable, hard to reach people and with this goal in mind I wanted to ensure that all my experiences, opportunities and education and employment related to this goal in order for me to succeed in achieving it.

I worked hard to gain an ‘Upper Second’ in BSc Psychology at Goldsmiths University. It was here that I was introduced to the concept of behavioural and cognitive psychology, something that continues to fascinate me. I realized that understanding behaviour and cognition was a big part of the work I wanted to be involved in and continues today to shape how I interact with the vulnerable people that I am trying to reach out and offer support to.

I later went on to gain a ‘Pass with Merit’ in Criminology. I have had two years experience working to encourage vulnerable people with past addiction and/or convictions, into semi-independent living. I supported them to do this through key working and implementing care plans. This enabled vulnerable people in our care to set SMART goals to progress towards a brighter future. Through this work I have had the privilege of working alongside other agencies with similar goals, property developers and members of the Local Authority.

Desmond Oldham

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

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 everyday 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

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.