TEN MINUTES, TEN QUESTIONS

Melissa Farmer

Julia’s House Family Support Worker

WHEN DID YOU JOIN JULIA’S HOUSE?

I joined in February 2005 as a bank community carer in Dorset.

HAS YOUR ROLE CHANGED SINCE THEN?

I have had many different roles but most recently as a Family Support Worker. I support parents where there is specific need: emotional support such as meeting for a cuppa and a chat, helping them to complete essential paperwork, applying for grants as well as organising and hosting events for the families. Also, signposting families to specialist help and information.

HAVE THE NEEDS OF THE FAMILIES CHANGED?

There are a lot more children with really complex needs now, needing more specialised care. This puts additional pressure on exhausted families trying to manage everyday life.

HOW IS THE RISING COST OF LIVING IMPACTING FAMILIES?

Parents are seeing day-to-day costs such as rent, mortgages, heating, clothing and food increase. A lot of the children we care for are on ventilators and other lifesaving equipment, which increases the use of electricity. Parents are worried.

WHAT ARE THE MOST URGENT NEEDS OF THE FAMILIES?

There is often no spare money for the expensive specialist equipment that

IS

WOULDN’T CHANGE MY ROLE FOR ANYTHING.” children with complex conditions need. We have helped obtain grants for equipment such as a rain and sun canopy for a specialised buggy and a fixed hoist as well as supporting in other ways – driving lessons for parents, memorable family days out, fuel costs and a laptop so a family can manage the mountain of paperwork for their child.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY?

I can help a parent complete a complicated application form, research and apply for a grant for equipment, organise an event or meet a parent for coffee and a much needed chat. Every day is different!

WHAT ARE YOUR STAND OUT MOMENTS?

Seeing parents grow in confidence from when they first attend an event, to seeing them chatting to other new parents, giving advice and support.

WHAT DOES BEING A PART OF THE FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES TEAM MEAN TO YOU?

Having the opportunity to offer that wider support to the whole family is so important to me. I wouldn’t change my role for anything.

HOW DOES THE TEAM SUPPORT EACH OTHER?

We work together so well and encourage each other in our various roles. Just ‘being there’ for one another is paramount, so that we can further support our families.

HOW DO YOU RELAX?

I enjoy crafting and going out for local walks and I also volunteer as a Youth Leader at our local church.