It’s 29 July 2013, my first day working for Community Action Hampshire. 22 years old, employed for one year to administer the office move from Beaconsfield House to Westgate Chambers.
I’m nervous; I walk in and see Rosie, the friendly face I met at my interview. She shows me the ropes. Everyone is friendly; they talk to me in the kitchen.
I meet with the staff team, they tell me their roles; I am blown away by how much they know, their focus, their passion. I wonder how one charity can do so much.
I try hard; I want to be as good as the team I have joined. I master the front office, I learn the financial procedures, and I administered the office move.
My year is almost up.
I have a letter, in my post tray, offering me a permanent position. My answer of course, is going to be yes.
I approach Marilyn, the lady in charge of the money. I ask if I can do a Finance course, I explain how much I enjoy the financial elements of my role. She supports me. Action Hampshire supports me. I am promoted to Finance Officer. I complete the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualification.
2018 is good to me, I travel, create amazing memories, tick things off my bucket list (check out the pics below…)
I am wowed by our world and saddened, humbled, by the poverty I‘ve seen.
I feel privileged to live in the UK, with access to healthcare, education, things I used to take for granted. I have changed in 5 years. Unfortunately, I am not the only change -funding has changed; the not-for-profit sector has had to adapt. It’s scary; the services I used to feel entitled to could be at risk, could disappear. The poverty I have seen elsewhere seems closer to home.
Financial pressures are making it hard for lifesaving, life-enhancing services to be sustainable. I’m glad to be part of a charity that does so much to strengthen not-for-profit organisations, to be part of a team with expertise in so many areas; everything from social enterprise, rural affordable housing, health and social care, children and young people’s issues, research and engagement, community-led planning solutions to community buildings and equalities & corporate social responsibility.
It’s November 2018, I am 27 years old. I am pleased to be part of the solution.
I am proud to be Action Hampshire’s Finance Officer.
