Each month we will be talking to members of the Suffolk Family Carers team so you get to know us, and how we can help you. This month we have been talking to Kate Hinchliff, Project Lead, and Kirstie Breitsprecher, Project Assistant
Kate & Kirstie are the dedicated team behind Serving Suffolk Families, Past & Present our support for the UK Armed Forces.
How long have you been in your role, and what, in a few words, does it involve?
KH -I’ve been in my role as Military Families Project Lead since September 2018. The project supports serving Suffolk families, past and present – Veterans, Army, Navy, RAF & Reservists.
KB – This is my first role at Suffolk Family Carers and I joined the Military Families Project Team 2 months ago.
What attracted you to work for the charity?
KH – I’ve worked in the charity sector for a number of years and had worked alongside Suffolk Family Carers when I previously worked for West Suffolk Mind. My Dad served in the RAF for 24 years, so I have an understanding of the challenges faced by armed forces families. Three of my Grandparents also served in the Army during the Second World War, so I’m very proud of my family’s military connections and passionate about supporting veterans, current serving soldiers and their families.
KB – Suffolk Family Carers has a great reputation within Suffolk of helping both young and adult carers. After seeing the advertised job of military families assistant I really wanted to hopefully get involved and help where possible as having a connect within the military myself.
What does a typical work day look like?
KH – Every day is different, which is one of the things that I love about my role. I could be meeting family carer’s face-to face at one of the local military bases (Covid allowing) and also long phone calls with family carers; sometimes people just want to talk, to offload and be ‘heard’.
It could be a planning meeting for an event such as Armed Forces Day. Attending a local VASP –Voluntary and Statutory Partnership meeting. Delivering mental health /Wellbeing workshop or course. Preparing reports for funders. Liaising with welfare and other military organisations.
KB – No day is the same. I could be meeting a new family carer with my line manager, researching groups or therapies that could help either the carer or the person they are caring for or creating content for leaflets to promote our services.
What makes you passionate about the role of the carer?
KH – In previous roles I have supported family carers to maintain their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Being a family carer can be tough and it’s really important that family carers are recognised, supported and empowered.
An essential part of my role is raising awareness of family carers; who they are and the kind of challenges they have to deal with on a daily basis.
I supported my parents when my late Grandad developed Dementia towards the end of his life. My parents were essentially ‘long distance carers’ as they live in Suffolk and my Grandad was in Nottinghamshire.
KB – I find helping people and making a difference to someone no matter how big or small extremely rewarding.
Do you have any particularly exciting projects or initiatives you’re working on now?
KH – It’s a very busy and exciting time for the project as we have 3 projects within one – made up of: supporting current serving, our Veterans project – supporting Veterans/Ex Service/their families and the Suffolk Creative Childrens project – Activity packs for children of serving Suffolk families. The three projects we look after is why we got Kirstie on board where she supports the veteran’s project and the Suffolk’s Creative Childrens project.
Outside of your Suffolk Family Carers world, how do you like to spend your time, and who with?
KH – I enjoy gardening and floristry as I find them therapeutic., I also love reading, going to the cinema and theatre; I especially love the ballet. Prior to COVID I enjoyed going to see live bands with friends.
I love spending time with my young nephews, family, partner and his children and most importantly, Custard (my cat)!
KB – I spend most of the time with my 2 small children whom love going to the park, colouring and crafting. I enjoy running and have recently taken up playing netball again. I also do upholstery when I have any spare time.
How do your family or colleagues describe you?
KH – They would describe me as bubbly with a wicked sense of humour, loyal, compassionate. My family’s best description of me is ‘the creatively chaotic one’.
KB – Easy going
Do you have any surprise skills which people may not know about you?
KH – I have a City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification in Floristry Design. I’ve done a few weddings for family and friends and was also privileged to do flowers for my late Grandad’s funeral.
What do you love most about living in Suffolk, and are there particular places you love to go?
KH – I love the diversity of Suffolk, be it pretty little villages, the coast or lovely old towns such as Bury St Edmunds, which is where I have lived for the past twenty four years Southwold and Aldeburgh are beautiful and I also enjoy a walk in Nowton Park or at Needham Lake.
KB – Being close to the coast, the many historic and beautiful towns we have and our lovely countryside.
Name three words which sum up the role of a carer:
KH – Inspiring, Dedicated, Resilient.
KB – Caring, Patient, Empathetic.
If you need support with your caring role please call us on 01473 835477 or email hello@suffolkfamilycarers.org
