I have been a CHWW since January 2024. Prior to that my career background was in Health and Social Care. I completed my level 3 in Health and Social Care whilst working with the Elderly and then took a level 3 ILM Leadership and Management course whilst working alongside Autism and LD in supported living.

I later started an Unincorporated association called Independent Cornwall Autism Network, where I was essentially doing CHWW work and support groups online, whilst advocating on the Autism Partnership Board with Healthwatch. I worked alongside organisations and provided training on all sorts of topics, including Autism, Nociception/interoception and Empathy.
Over this time, I became chronically unwell and for around 7 years I experienced ill-health: I became accident prone, allergic to many things and essentially immobile for the best part of a week. I didn't feel listened too or like I could rely on the services provided. I also struggled to keep on top of appointments due to pain and anxiety. It felt like I was being passed from pillar to post. Also during this time, I ended up in a situation where I was a vulnerable adult experiencing anti-social behaviour and had to collect evidence and go to Court.

I went from having empathy for people in this position, to being in it myself. I lost trust in the Health and Social care sector and local authority. This experience of feeling like I was tripping over every barrier in the system gave me the understanding on how to support CHWW service users navigate the systems and processes in place, and advise them on how to move forward, whether it be NHS, DWP, Police or any other organisation.

I am now able to take my professional knowledge and understanding, with my own lived experience to better explain and support the people we serve.