Anna's Story: Supporting Others Through Lived Experience

Today, we'd like to share the story of Anna, one of our Support Workers at Lindley House, and highlight the importance of lived experience. Anna's journey shows how personal experience can bring understanding, hope, and genuine connection to the people we support.

"My name is Anna, and I was homeless over 15 years ago. I lost my home and my job at the same time and ended up in Lindley House. My mental health spiralled for a while, but I then started working a few short hours in a pub. My support worker at the time was amazing and helped me so much.

I moved into a satellite property within ARC, where I still had support but was living more independently, which was perfect for me. While I was in satellite accommodation, I had the opportunity to take on a cleaning job at ARC, cleaning Lindley. I was in satellite for about three months before moving into my own home. Once I had my own place, I was able to do some voluntary work and cover shifts as a support worker for a while.

I had always wanted to become a full-time support worker to help people the way I had been helped. I then started working for a different cleaning company, which was brought in-house to clean Lindley during the COVID lockdown. While I was cleaning there, a full-time support worker position came up, and I ended up getting the job. I have now been a support worker for ARC for six years now.

It brings me so much joy helping people work towards their own goals and supporting them to be where they want to be in life. I’m so glad ARC helped me when they did, because I don't think I would be where I am today. Being able to give back and support others on their own journey means so much to me.”

Anna now supports 10 clients and regularly runs Games Nights, craft sessions, and other wellbeing activities. She is a valued member of our team, and makes such a positive impact on our clients.