Spotlight on Engage to Change Staff April 2022
Get to know some of the amazing staff that work across Engage to Change. This month we are spotlighting two fantastic Employment Advisors from ELITE SEA who work on Engage to Change project.
Lauren 
Job: Employment advisor
What is your role on Engage to Change?
I am one of the EAs, I will be working one to one with participants and running job clubs in the RCT and Caerphilly area.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy meeting the participants and seeing their journey through and the progress they make.
Do you have speciality, such as a skill or strength that you can share?
I have years of experience working and supporting people with varying needs. For example, I worked with the National Autistic Society in one of their day centres and I also worked with the homeless in Cardiff, the support needs I dealt with in both these jobs were very different but the skills transferable. I think that, people, is my strength. I enjoy learning about the people I work with.
What has been your proudest moment in your life? I’m going to have to say, walking across the stage at my PGCE PCET graduation and hearing my brother and mother ‘whoop’ in the audience. I really struggled on parts of that course because of my dyslexia, but I powered through, asked for support and in the end I qualified. I am very proud of that moment.
Tell us a few of your favourite things
Outside of work I really enjoy long walks with my 2 fur babies, (dogs) they are 2 of my favourite things.
I dance and occasionally teach, this is something I have done for many many years, and I thoroughly enjoy it, it doesn’t just keep me fit, but it keeps me sane. I love everything about it, from the movement to the costumes (I adore anything that sparkles)
Also, I am a huge Minnie mouse fan, I absolutely love Disney and if I could live at Disneyland, I would.
Albany 
Job: Employment Advisor
What is your role on Engage to Change?
My role is to support young people and enable them to develop in the workplace. I like to take an holistic approach when I work with somebody, focusing on the person as a whole and working alongside them.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Making a difference and seeing a person grow in confidence.
Do you have speciality, such as a skill or strength that you can share?
I am very patient and empathetic; I listen well to other people and can provide a listening ear if needed.
What has been your proudest moment in your life?
Gaining a Psychology qualification with the Open University
Tell us a few of your favourite things (outside work!)
I love history and exploring historic landmarks such as castles and museums, I am a cat lover, I love my pets dearly and I am also interested in anything spiritual.