Maundy Relief Advice & Outreach Service – Interview with Catherine

We’re always busy here at Maundy Relief, so it’s nice to take a step back and have a brew and a chat every now and again. Recently, I did just that with the head of our Advice and Outreach service, Catherine.

We chatted in Catherine’s office; it’s calm and quiet, and a peaceful break from the usual hustle and bustle. As leader of the service, it’s often Catherine’s job to take the phone calls and book appointments for the many people who come to us in need of all kinds of advice. Luckily, she’s great at putting you right at ease, no matter what it is you need help with.

Laura: What drew you to the ‘Advice and Outreach lead’ position here at Maundy Relief?

Catherine: I already knew about Maundy and what they had to offer, and I’d worked with them in a previous role – I’ve worked in advice services for a long time. I really liked what Maundy did – I liked the ethos and what they were about.

Laura: If someone were to ring up, looking for advice, who should they be expecting?

Catherine: Someone who’ll listen. Who’ll try and help walk alongside them to where they want to be.

Laura: Could you describe the different aspects of your role and what you get up to?

Catherine: So, I’m the advice and outreach lead, so I manage those services. I provide support and supervision to our advice and outreach team, as well as social work students, and volunteers. I manage the referrals that come into the service, I book appointments to help people get to speak to an advisor, or I arrange home visits. I’m usually dealing with enquiries, and generally making sure that the work is being done I suppose!

Laura: Do you enjoy working at Maundy Relief?

Catherine: I love working here – it’s a very friendly atmosphere and a really supportive environment.

Laura: What is the best part about your job?

Catherine: Well, there’s many parts to my job, but all of it together is great. It’s great seeing people get the advice they need to increase their income and get the support they need.
And it’s also great to see students and volunteers come in, who are maybe not used to this kind of work, and to see them grow.

Laura: Is there a season in the year where your role becomes more difficult?

Catherine: We just have constant demand throughout the year – I think meeting demand is our biggest challenge.

Laura: Do you find your role rewarding?

Catherine: Yes, very! There are many stories I’ve heard over the time I’ve worked at Maundy, where people have been in quite desperate situations, so it’s really rewarding when, with our help and support, they’ve been able to move forwards.

Laura: Do you have any advice for someone thinking about doing a role similar to your own?

Catherine: Volunteer! Come in and volunteer first of all – see what the work’s all about.

Laura: What would you say to someone who is currently considering using the advice service, but is a little unsure?

Catherine: I’d say come in, come and have a cup of tea with us, have a chat with us. The whole team is very friendly and approachable, come and see what we’re about, see if it’s for you, and then if it is for you let us know and we’ll find you the help you need.

If you’re in need of some advice, whether that be with benefit checks, applications, or help with DWP assessments, you can contact Catherine and the advice team on 01254 659 686.