Holly’s story

Holly was a Housing Options Manager at Allerdale Borough Council when she did a 3-day staff programme. Now part of the newly merged Cumberland Council, she works with homeless people including victims of domestic abuse, asylum seekers and refugees.

 Did I dream Grit or did it actually happen? I’d never experienced anything like it! Every other training I’ve been on, most people just sat back and let a few others dominate, or it was death by Power Point. Grit was about everyone having their say, sharing their experience, breaking down the barriers between us. From start to end, it was such a journey. My mind was completely blown.

I had been feeling completely stuck. As a Senior Social Worker said during the workshop, “It’s so hard to feel that you’re part of a system that can’t always get people the help they really need.” I was feeling powerlessness, frustrated. It was the most difficult aspect of the job.

It was great to make connections with other people, people in social care, youth offending, mental health services, people working with the same clients as me. These were people I’ve never met before, never worked with. But the workshop changed all that. We’ve got a culture of ‘don’t be afraid to ring me’ which makes SUCH a difference. It means I can provide a more holistic service for my clients, one where housing is part of a bigger issue. And it means that clients don’t have to go from pillar to post, and sharing their trauma, time and time again with every different service.

I’ve got the confidence to challenge the way things are done. I can ask the question - can we do different, can we do better? For example, one of my clients couldn’t get re-housed. No-one would take her on because she owed so much money in rent arrears. But I worked with some partners to split the back log between us and now the client has moved into a new home.  It’s best for her and it’s best for the Council with all the cost savings around services she no longer needs. This would never have happened before Grit.

As a manager I’ve put in more reflection time with team. We operate less formally, less bound by what’s gone before. When an issue comes up with a client, instead of arranging a meeting a week down the line, we’ll do what we can to sort it now. We’re more responsive, flexible, solution-focused.

I’ve changed the way I work with clients. Instead of just going through the standard process I open every conversation with ‘how are you?’ And, as we talk, nuggets of information come out, nuggets that can change their lives. I’m getting to the heart of issues more effectively.

Since Grit things have really opened up for me personally. For example, just recently I got the opportunity to become a trainer on domestic abuse issues. There is no way I would have done that before Grit. I’d have just ignored the opportunity or made an excuse as to why I couldn’t do it. But I did the course and in the next few weeks I’m going to deliver to the police, social services and other merged council teams.  Not bad for someone who came out in a rash at the mere thought of doing a presentation!

I’m clearer about priorities so I’m much more on top of things rather than facing overwhelm. It’s not about muddling through anymore, its about doing the very best I can. When I get up in the morning, each day feels like a fresh opportunity. That feeling of dread, the fear of what’s lying await in my email – I don’t get that anymore. Now I’m thankful for the opportunity to do the job I get to do.