I have worked in the third sector for the past 28 years and I have seen some changes not in my opinion the for best!  I was part of a forum in 2005 of providers in Hammersmith & Fulham and from this forum, Play Association Hammersmith & Fulham was born.

Over 13 years later, I’m still here and just as committed to the charity as I was from the beginning. I have acquired a Level 5 in Management, NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development and Level 3 SENCO, Designated Safeguarding officer etc.  I believe every child, no matter their race, gender, age, abilities and needs, has the right to play in a safe and secure environment, allowing them to reach their full potential.

My journey started with this organisation in 2008 I just left school and started  as a sessional playworker.

I Have worked my way up from playworker to being the project manager. I have a level 3 diploma in childcare, safeguarding training, first aider, talking mats, dysphagia, manual handling and much more. I also work in a local school for children with disabilities.

I have 14 plus years of experience in childcare , most of this is focused on working with young people with disabilities.

Working with these children and young adults has really opened my eyes to a different way of the world. I definitely enjoy what I do and find myself learning from them everyday. If I could make a difference in a few of these young people lives then I would be doing my job properly.

I started working for PAHF in 2014 as a sessional playworker.  I have recently completed my Diploma in SEN awareness. I was asked if I could do some additional hours to help with the project paperwork in the office.

I hope to develop my role within the organisation.

I started working for PAHF in 2008 as a sessional playworker and became a deputy playworker in 2012. I have worked with children since leaving school in 2005 and went to college to study for this. I hold NVQ and Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development at levels 2 and 3 and have 11.5 years’ experience in childcare. I'm a first aider as well as safeguarding trained. Working with children with disabilities has improved and adapted my practice with all children and I am continually learning from them.

​

In 2011 I volunteered my time to help with office work and came in weekly to help with the project's paper work and staffing. When my predecessor Rachel left us in 2013 I took on part of her job. Over the last 3 years I have developed and expanded on my role within the organisation and in Sept 2016 was named Operations Manager, with a speciality in SEN and disability due to my experience.

I came into the employ of PAHF (now LEO) back in the summer of 2008 having spent a number of years working in schools and ancillary services. Over the years with the company I feel very fortunate (in my humble opinion) to have been afforded the opportunity to build relationships and play some part in the development and well being of a number of our service users.

We have a very diverse and skilled staff team. A lot of our playworkers work in schools, nurseries and colleges as teachers or teaching assistants and the rest work for care agencies, after school clubs and youth clubs. We have had many young people volunteer with us, that have become staff members and gone on to work full time in care, play and/or education. Our playworkers come from all over London and some live in neighbouring counties. Their breadth of experience and knowledge benefits not only the children, but the organisation as a whole.