Day in the life of Debbie Ricketts
The weekend goes so quickly, Monday is here before I know it but, I love Mondays. Don’t most people? I don’t think they do, but I really do. I look forward to the week ahead and being able to bring some change and hope to people’s lives. First things first though, Monday means biscuits, chocolates or cakes and fruit!! 
Not for me but for the staff team. I like to take in some nice things, so when we sit down for our team meeting for 2 hours I can cheer them up. It does help when we know we are going to have a busy week ahead.
My day started at 6.45am, with a cup of tea in bed from my wonderful husband. Then 7.30am I like to get to work so I can read my emails and get ready for what the day ahead has in store. I wonder what families we are going to meet today. Are we going to have to deal with any child protection issues? Will we see the mom and baby who came for the first time last week after moving into the area because she has escaped a violent partner? Will we have to find some furniture for a family who has recently arrived in the country and has come with nothing? Will the pregnant teenager come to her antenatal today to make sure the baby is ok? Has the benefit situation been sorted for the dad who has just been given custody of the children because his partner has chosen drugs over the family?
It may be one or all of these today. We need to be ready to support families no matter what their situation.
What do I do you are probably asking? I am a Family Support and Health Co-ordinator in a local SureStart Children’s Centre. I manage a great team of staff who offer support to families with children under 5yrs of age.
It might sound like doom and gloom but no its not. We may get a family come in who has had support from us and the life opportunities for their children have improved and they enjoy coming to the activities at the centre. A family who has just got their children back after going into care will come and say thank you for supporting them. A mom with a new baby who felt isolated, but has now met lots of other new mom’s is enjoying her time with the baby and coming to activities.
When you see a child smiling because mom or dad have gained confidence to come out, are getting support with their drug use, or looking forward to the future makes every day worth while. When we get a ‘Thank you’ card you know it was worth it.
I should make time for lunch and do most days but I am always available for staff to come and ask questions or for advice about how to deal with a situation that has arisen. I never mind being interrupted. When 3pm arrives it’s usually time for a ‘cuppa’ and a biscuit if there’s any left!! Who’s going to make it today? I don’t mind until everyone shouts ‘YES PLEASE’, why did I ask? Not really, it’s nice to look after people. And… if it has gone quiet I might make everyone laugh by doing a bit of ballroom dancing in the middle of the office or sing a song. Is she mad you are thinking? No, I’m not mad I just like to bring some normality and lightness to what can sometimes be a hard day, I like to see people smiling and enjoying what they do.
It’s nearly time to go home and relax!! Even though I love my work I love to go home too. Oh no, I forgot, I’ve got a Governors meeting 4pm – 6pm, sorry Vince dinner won’t be ready. Never mind, its all part of life rhythms.
What have I learned today? More patience, ‘The Lord is my strength’ and it’s not always what we say but what we do.
