Today we are introducing another member of the Helpline Team, Liz Sturgess.
“I trained as an Occupational Therapist and worked for over 20 years in a variety of mental health settings including head injuries and older people. Following this, I worked for a dementia charity in an information and support role, visiting people in their homes, and taking phone queries. Before joining PSPA, I worked with people with mild/moderate anxiety and/or depression using low-intensity CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) in a role within the NHS. When I saw the Helpline Care Navigator job advertised with PSPA I realised I missed working in the voluntary sector and applied. The HCN role drew on various strands of my previous working life.
“I enjoyed my interview and knew I would like working with the team. The role can be very satisfying when you can support people to access services or benefits or help them to understand a condition of which they have never previously heard.
“In my role, there is always a sense of “job well done” if the caller tells you that they feel better having spoken to you, or you have helped even if all you have done is listened.”
The Helpline is currently available from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday. If you would like to chat with someone in confidence, please call the team on 0300 0110 122 or email helpline@pspassociation.org.uk