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| Myself and Gina on an outing to Fort William |
In 2009, I arrived to the community of L’Arche Inverness as
a young, shy but enthusiastic seventeen year old fresh from completing my
higher studies. I had worked for the
retail sector of The British Red Cross for approaching two years so I wasn’t oblivious
to the ups and downs that comes with working for a charity but L’Arche
Inverness was something different; something I never could have imagined to be
nestled away in Inverness – a real gem!
From the moment I arrived to the community I was overwhelmed
by the seemingly endless streams of smiling faces and warm welcomes which was
offered to me as I waited to start my new job on reception. Although I had applied to work in the office
which I knew was situated within a day service for adults with learning
disabilities, I could have never anticipated the rollercoaster ride which the
last three and a half years has given me.
Very quickly I was able to make use of my qualifications and
establish myself within the office – I always get joy from sorting procedures/
paperwork etc which others don’t have time to face or don’t know where to begin
but being in the office is much more than that.
I have always been given the opportunity to use my creative flare to
make up displays and organise events which can range from 30 – 100 people at
times. Kirsty who works within The Workshops is always great at helping to organise
the events too – how many “office jobs” would you get the chance to prepare
such amazing events/ parties for adults with learning disabilities.
I was very quickly welcomed into the community homes and was
involved in the support of our ‘core members’ which was great as we were able to
build meaningful and respectful relationships in no time at all. I had also had
the opportunity to live in Grianan (one of our community homes) alongside my
job at reception. Lilias and Fiona welcomed me to their home with open arms but
like any intense family environments we definitely had our ‘arguments’ and didn’t
see eye to eye in certain areas – this only brought our relationships closer.
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| Fiona, Myself, Mark and Derek at The Workshops |
Having the opportunity to stay in the community houses was
an invaluable experience as I now have a better grasp of the different areas of
the community. Living with the girls and other assistants from around the world
will be a memory I will cherish forever.
Unfortunately the strain of going between my commitments in the office
and house became overwhelming as I felt I could not offer my all to both areas.
I now work in the office as an Admin Officer and continue to keep up my close
relationships with the core members from Saorsa and Grianan as well as Richard,
Mark, Sue and Derrick which is always a pleasure! I hardly ever go a week without visiting the
houses or having some of the core members round for dinner or going to the pub
for a quiet pint!
Coming to work in a community is much more than you expect.
Of course there is plenty of ‘down’ moments but the ‘up’ moments far outweigh
them! I have grown up so much within the community and have been blessed with
knowledge, experience, friendships and a fiancé which I may have never got if I
had chosen to work in any other place.
Are you are present or ex- assistant/ community member?
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