Teaching was all I ever really wanted to do. I completed a Primary Teaching degree with a specialism in English and spent seven years teaching in primary schools, working across Years 1, 2, 5 and predominantly Year 6.
While I loved working with children and found teaching incredibly rewarding, the role gradually became dominated by paperwork, marking and long evenings. I found myself spending most of my time working, with little opportunity for hobbies, friends or family, and eventually I experienced significant burnout. After taking three months away from work to recover, rebuild my confidence and consider my next steps, I joined the Better Living Service.
My role involved delivering nutrition education in primary schools and leading physical activity sessions. It was a role I thoroughly enjoyed and one that reignited my passion for supporting people to improve their health and wellbeing. During this time, I completed qualifications in gym instruction, nutrition for physical activity and exercise referral, as well as managing my own caseload of patients requiring nutritional support. Physical activity has always been a passion of mine, and this role played a significant part in rebuilding both my confidence and sense of purpose.
A few years later, I came across an advert for a Social Prescriber role. What appealed to me was the breadth of the position and the opportunity to support people with a wide range of non-medical issues affecting their health and wellbeing. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Social Prescriber in the Lower Calder Valley and was fortunate to work alongside supportive colleagues and practice managers who made me feel welcome from the outset.
Shortly after I started, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we all worked. Like many others, I transitioned to working from home, which presented its own challenges. However, I also had the opportunity to support local COVID vaccination clinics at weekends alongside my Social Prescribing role during the week. It was an incredibly rewarding period and one that reinforced the importance of community and partnership working.
When the Personalised Care Team Lead role first became available, I was encouraged to apply. However, I didn’t feel it was the right time and believed I still had more to learn as a Social Prescriber. When a similar opportunity arose around a year later, I felt much more prepared and was successful in securing the position. I particularly enjoyed working closely with Anna Lunn and the Lower Valley team during this time, learning more about leadership and service development.
Some time later, I was encouraged to apply for a Project Officer role. Looking back, I don’t think I was quite ready for it at that stage. I wasn’t fully clear on what the role involved and went into the interview lacking confidence and preparation, which ultimately showed. Although I was unsuccessful, it was an important learning experience. I was also genuinely pleased that my colleague and friend, Aisha Hussain, secured the role. She has gone on to thrive and now works as Business Manager for PGPA, so it all worked out as it should have done.
By the time the Project Manager role became available in 2024, the timing felt right. I had already gained some project experience in the Lower Valley and was ready for a new challenge. Unlike my previous application, I felt confident, well-prepared and clear about both the role and what I could bring to it. That confidence came across in the interview, and I was delighted to be successful. Looking back, every role, challenge and even setback along the way contributed to my development and helped prepare me for where I am today.
I’m motivated by continuous learning and development, so I’m happiest when I’m being challenged and exposed to new experiences. Once a role starts to feel too comfortable, I naturally look for ways to stretch myself and keep growing. I’ve been lucky to have supportive leaders who have recognised that and encouraged me to take on new opportunities, often giving me the confidence to take risks and back myself.
I think I’m naturally curious and enjoy asking questions, which often creates opportunities to learn, whether that’s attending a meeting, shadowing a colleague or getting involved in a new piece of work. I also see myself as a good connector of people. If I hear about a challenge or opportunity and know someone who could help, or have ideas myself, I’ll often bring people together to explore it further. Having compassionate and approachable leaders has also made a real difference, as it creates the trust needed for open, honest and supportive conversations.
I feel fortunate to have been managed by three fantastic female leaders during my time at PGPA: Anna Duggan, Anna Lunn and Joanne Duffy. While each has their own leadership style, they all lead with compassion, which is a quality I greatly admire and strive to demonstrate in my own day-to-day work. Reflecting on my time as a Social Prescriber, one of the things I valued most was the diversity of backgrounds, experiences and strengths within the team. By seeking advice and sharing ideas with fellow SPLWs, I was constantly learning and gaining new perspectives. It reinforced the importance of collaboration and the fact that everyone has something unique to contribute.
For me, the biggest learning has been the importance of setting boundaries and not trying to do too much at once. Good project management skills help, but I’m still learning to balance planning with being realistic about what can be achieved. The upside is that every new project brings different challenges and opportunities to learn, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role.
I think most people experience imposter syndrome to some extent, and it’s something I’ve struggled with significantly. The most challenging thing has been myself and my imposter syndrome getting in my own way, telling me I don’t deserve opportunities or development. Through coaching and mentoring, I’ve gained a little confidence and that’s something I’d recommend to all. I’ve learned that I need to be intentional about recognising my strengths and reflecting on my achievements. It might sound cheesy or self-indulgent, but if I don’t, it’s easy to fall into the habit of focusing only on my shortcomings rather than acknowledging what’s gone well.
When I was a teacher, I thought nothing of presenting to hundreds of students, parents and colleagues, or delivering training sessions. Because I do less of that now, I find it much more daunting and often feel incredibly nervous. As a result, I try to say yes to more opportunities to present, knowing that each one helps build my confidence and gives me something to learn from. I’m a strong advocate for DBT because it has given me practical strategies for managing the thoughts and emotions that often come with imposter syndrome. It has helped me recognise when I’m being overly critical of myself, challenge unhelpful assumptions and focus on the facts rather than my fears. Alongside coaching, it has encouraged me to embrace situations that feel uncomfortable, knowing that confidence comes from doing things despite the nerves, not waiting for the nerves to disappear.
I’m proud of being willing to take on new challenges and pursue opportunities, even when the outcome is uncertain. Not everything has gone to plan, but each experience has taught me something valuable and contributed to my personal and professional growth. I’m comfortable taking calculated risks and see them as an important part of learning and development.
For me, the most important thing is enjoying my job and feeling appropriately challenged. If career progression comes alongside that, then that’s a bonus. The Project Management role is incredibly varied, with new opportunities arising all the time, which keeps the work engaging and rewarding. I also enjoy contributing to other areas of PGPA, such as spearheading the Green Champions initiative, supporting policy development and helping to improve support for our working carers. Being able to make a positive impact beyond my core role is something I find fulfilling.
I would say to anyone at PGPA who is considering taking on a new challenge or looking for opportunities to develop: go for it! Speak to your line manager, speak to me, speak to others in the organisation. We’re all happy to help. Before I applied for the Project Manager role, I had supportive conversations with Anna Lunn, perhaps my biggest cheerleader, and Will Menzies, both of which helped me feel more confident in putting myself forward for the role. As I said, massive imposter syndrome!
Ultimately, what I like most about working for PGPA is the people and the approach to supporting each other. For me, our organisation does not feel hierarchical, and our team culture is built on mutual respect and communication.