Name: Mel
Job Title: Extra care Scheme Coordinator
How long have you worked at Jigsaw Homes? 9.5 years
Describe your ‘typical’ day at work:
My day varies; I can have my whole day planned out and sometimes it goes to plan, but mostly it doesn’t. I can walk straight into Beatrix House and be hit with lots of problems, from building issues to residents waiting to see me or care staff will be queuing up with things to report.
Which aspects of the job really get you motivated?
In the early days, it was getting through the teething problems of working in a new build; making the scheme a great place to not only work in, but mainly for my residents to enjoy living there and making it their home. It’s such a busy scheme and I see lots of people and I get to listen to some great stories.
What are the greatest challenges?
Working with so many different personalities, some with mental health and dementia and not knowing what kind of reception you’re going to get from the residents from day to day. I have had to work through some really challenging ASB situations over the years. But it’s made me a stronger person myself and I’ve learnt to approach people with respect and empathy, because you don’t always know the story behind why those challenging behaviours occur.
What has/have been the highlight(s) of your role to date?
Oh I have had many highlights! I had a visit from Andy Burnham, and sat and had lunch with him from the café we have on site. We had an open day and the civic mayor of Tameside councillor Brenda Warrington came to open the scheme. Just last week Beatrix House was on BBC North West, with opera singer Elgan Thomas performing and two of my residents were interviewed - that was a really proud moment for me.