5 Years with Action Hampshire

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.