Women making a difference every day.
March 2, 2020
It is International Women’s Day this Sunday 8 March and we are proud to be an organisation that supports and celebrates women’s achievement.
Meet Michelle, Isabella and Rachel – members of the Anglicare team making a positive difference in their local community.
Michelle Redman, Home Care Worker.
Anglicare’s Home Care team supports older Tasmanians to remain living independently in their own homes.
“I’m a people person,” said Michelle, who works on the North West Coast. “This job was meant for me. It is so rewarding to be doing something different every day”.
“I absolutely love going out supporting people with their daily needs and wants, listening to their amazing life stories, providing company and putting a smile on a face,” she said. “Seeing people achieve their goal to stay living at home is such a wonderful feeling. And I get to drive around our beautiful State and work as part of an amazing team of people who support each other to do our best.”
“I enjoy challenges and learning new things and this role provides opportunities for this, because every person we support has different circumstances”.
Michelle also mentors new Home Care workers to provide a high standard of support to clients.
“It’s a job that’s a good fit for people who are active, want to learn and are passionate about promoting wellness and independence for older people,” she said. “Shifts are flexible, with part time work available. I encourage people I mentor to go for it, enjoy what you do. Ask for help if you’re not sure of something, there is always someone to assist you.
“Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there for new things. Take up training opportunities and embrace opportunities”.
Isabella McVilly, Community Support Worker.
Isabella joined Anglicare two years ago with an undergraduate degree in psychology. She is based in our Sorell office and also provides outreach services on the Tasman Peninsula and East Coast.
“I really enjoy what I do. No day is ever the same,” she said.
Much of Isabella’s work is with people who would like to make changes about their use of alcohol and other drugs. She also provides support through Gamblers Help.
“I feel privileged to share with people their most challenging and difficult times, and to be a consistent support worker in their life,” said Isabella.
Isabella has been able to access study leave to undertake additional training.
“I have a love of learning which comes very much from my mum, she is a teacher and now principal, so education has always been highly valued in my family,” said Isabella. “When I joined Anglicare I raised my interest in completing a Graduate Certificate in Counselling with UTAS”.
“This was really important for my professional confidence, to increase my awareness of different therapies and practices”.
Isabella also participates in regular professional development in the workplace.
“My advice to anyone considering a career in this area, I’d encourage them. It is a rewarding job. You’ll never be bored but it is also really important to work with an organisation like Anglicare where there is very good supervision and support for team members,” she said.
“Trauma can be very confronting so it’s important to get it off your chest, and not be afraid to ask for support from your colleagues and managers. It’s also important to be realistic about what you can achieve in the hours you are at work. You will not change the world but you can make a difference in a moment”.
Rachel Balmer, General Manager – Disability Services.
Rachel began her career as a disability support worker at Anglicare and now leads our Disability Services.
Anglicare delivers one of the widest range of practical NDIS supports in the state, supported independent living, short term accommodation, and complex care for people injured in a motor vehicle accident.
“After finishing university I came across an ad for a support worker position and decided to apply,” said Rachel. “I had always enjoyed working with others and as a student I’d volunteered at a school for children living with disability. 15 years and many different roles later, my career at Anglicare continues”.
“What is important to me is providing empowering support so people with various abilities can live the life they choose every day,” she said.
“A career in disability support can provide a variety of opportunities, the sector is growing and there are always new challenges,” she said. “Our team works across the state in both suburban and rural areas doing rewarding work where even small things can make an important difference to someone’s quality of life”.
