“I worked for 30 years in mental health services initially as a clinician and for many years as a manager. Real Lives has given us opportunity to invest in and develop our workforce whilst providing people with a service that is designed for them, as well as running the lovely Crocus café. I want to contribute to a positive, recovery focused culture, making sure there is lots of fun and laughter along the way.”

“I worked for Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust for many years before setting up Real Lives as a non-salaried co-director. I worked as a community nurse, a team manager and lastly as the project manager for the Peer Support Service, all demonstrating to me that what people really need is someone to believe in them, the chance to develop their skills and the opportunity to use them in their daily lives.”

“I have worked in a healthcare setting in an admin capacity for over 30 years. I am passionate about supporting people with mental health problems and proud to work at Real Lives, a company that makes a real difference to those we support, where the company ethos is to treat everyone as a person and not a number! My main role is to keep the building up and running and make sure all the paperwork is in order.”

“Having worked in the not-for-profit sector for the last 19 years providing administrative support to a number of Nottingham-based charities and community organisations, I have gained great satisfaction in helping to support the local community and particularly those residents in need. I enjoy being part of the Real Lives family and in helping make a difference to people’s lives. I work full-time in the office and will usually be the person at the other end of the phone for anyone wishing to ring the office phoneline.”

“My support style is open and positive. I enjoy getting to know people by listening and chatting. I am patient and reliable – if I say I’m going to do something I will do my best to make sure I do. I like supporting people to find solutions and am happy to find out about different options, so people can make choices that suit them. I’m happy to support people with different tasks. I enjoy finding out what people are interested in, as well as sharing my own interests.”
 

“I have worked at Real Lives since 2014 when studying for my health and social care degree. I am down to earth and have a casual working style in a non-judgemental way. I enjoy helping organise where needed, attending people’s appointments, helping out around the house, as well as community activities such as walking and groups. In 2018 I became Assistant Manager, this role now includes setting up and co-ordinating packages, developing wellness and safety plans and supervising PALs.”

“For the past 32 years I have worked in mental health for the NHS I have taken early retirement ( I’m still young at heart) and I feel I still have a lot more to offer. I am really excited to join the Real Lives Family and am committed to providing a holistic approach to individual’s needs, giving a tailored plan of care to support and recovery. I love to laugh and hear laughter; I so believe laughter is the best medicine. I am a bit of a chatterbox so will stop here and welcome you to join us.”

“I have worked for Real lives since 2015 and I am passionate about community support work, and enjoy caring for and encouraging people to reach their goals. I am an active and motivated person and Horse riding is one of my passions alongside the gym, swimming, shopping and walks. I feel I am easy to get on with, I give my all in helping people out and I have a lot of compassion and care to share in my working role, whilst being efficient in the more practical tasks!”

“I have joined the Real Lives team because I believe in supporting people when things are tough for them. I am a down to earth person and always open to listening and supporting/advising however I can, just generally being there for them.
I have a lot of hobbies I enjoy talking about. I appreciate one to one communication and calm and quiet environments.”
 

“With a Master’s Degree in Cultural History which includes Social Work, Pastoral Care and Counselling, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology and Women’s Studies, my aim is to understand where people have come from in order to get them to where they need to go. The combined qualifications have allowed me to utilise my skills in every area of my working life. My passion and feel-good moments stem from building a good rapport with my clients with a welcoming demeanor, thereby being able to take the initiative by gathering background information in order to build trust and plan ahead. I have worked with some of the most challenging /vulnerable individuals in society. With patience, understanding, empathy, compassion and being a good listener, WOW moments are realised as I have helped transform the lives of many and made them meaningful with positive and effective results.”
 

“I have worked in the NHS (in various roles) since 1995, and consequently bring lots of experience towards my PALS role. I feel I also bring sensitivity, compassion and energy to whatever I’m involved with. I centre my efforts around empowering people, supporting them to be well and to grow, and to help them to see their choices. My interests include reading, watching films, history, long country walks and travelling. ”
 

“I am a very motivated individual and love to do activities that keep me active such as nature walks with my son and plenty of outdoor activities, I love the outdoors. I also enjoy doing diamond painting in the evening as a way of winding down.”
 

“My name is Charlene. I am a mum of three children and have a black pug named Frank, who we all love to take on long walks.  My hobbies are, films, reading, murder mystery. I enjoy taking part in escape rooms. I enjoy socialising meeting new people and being out.

“Having studied psychology as my bachelor’s degree I am interested in helping those who struggle with their mental health. Even though I am new to this area, I am keen to learn and develop so that I can help as many people as possible. I would consider myself to be a fun and outgoing person who enjoys making people smile. I am also reliable and organised within work environments. Some of my hobbies include art, shopping, and spending time with my dog.”
 

“I first got involved with Real Lives around 8 years ago as a volunteer in the Crocus Cafe. My time at the Crocus was key to my own mental health recovery. After a number of years working with the Crocus Cafe, I was able to build the confidence and stability to enter paid employment in food using the experience I gained there. Having pursued this successfully for a few years, I have come back to Real Lives to help others live their lives as happily and independently as possible and to move into the care sector. I love to help others and I am a very supportive person; I hope to enable others to access the support and passion of Real Lives to enable them to enter or continue their own recovery. Outside of work, my hobbies include handmaking visual art; writing, designing and running home-made Dungeons and Dragons adventure games as well as playing the game myself; board games; learning rap songs; cycling; cooking and slackline rope-walking.”

“I first started working in the care sector 10 years ago, I began as a care assistant and have taken upon roles of a senior care assistant and a care team leader. Working in within a care setting is always something I have been passionate about as I enjoy caring for people and helping them reach their personal goals. I studied health and social care whilst at college and got a level 3 diploma prior to working in care. I am a mum to one and have two step children, this takes up most of my free time which I love and wouldn’t change.”
 

“God Loves a Tryer.”
 

“I have worked for Real Lives since November! I’m a mum to two amazing little humans who I absolutely adore & love to make memories with. In my free time I like to go to the gym & health suit Aswell as spend time with family & friends!
I have a passion for helping people & seeing people succeed! I’m also positive person & love to spread positivity! ”
 
 
 

“I have joined the real lives team because I believe in people. I believe in helping people, loving people and supporting people, even when times aren’t pretty and things are tough.
I have a lively and bubbly personality I’m always ready for a chat! I have an open and honest approach with a listening ear and I believe that I’m easy to get along with. ”
 
 

“Hi my name is Sophia, I am 46 years old. I have been told I have a good sense of humour and am a good listener. My hobbies are walking, horse riding, writing poetry, photography and reading. I enjoy meeting new people and due to a background in nursing feel I am a non judgemental and professional individual. I value the privilege of helping clients achieve their own unique best potential.”

“My work history includes Ambulance Technician, Systems Analyst, and have spent the last 4 years working as an Outreach Support Worker; which I love as I really enjoy working with people out and about in the community and celebrating every goal we set ourselves. I really enjoy getting to know the people I work with and finding the best way to help them achieve their goals, in their own unique way. I am a relaxed, goal-oriented person who believes in the power of taking small steps. My hobbies include trying to grow food on my allotment, long walks in nature, films, science, nature, and spending time in the lovely Crocus Cafe. ”

“I have worked at Real Lives since 2020. I enjoy supporting people with tasks around their homes (cleaning etc.) and community, such as shopping and keeping appointments, such as medical and beauty, and like to think that I am helping them live more comfortably and independently.
My hobbies outside of work are walking my dog, crafting – eg crochet & painting, watching movies and just chilling listening to music.”