We have been talking to Jessica Jones, Family Carer Advisor (Stroke Focused) who works in Partnership with the Suffolk Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team
How long have you been in your role, and what, in a few words, does it involve?
I have been in post since January of this year. My role involves supporting family carers whereby the person they care for has a recent diagnosis of stroke and they are receiving input in the community from the Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team. receive my referrals directly from the Stroke Early Supported Discharge Team.
The support I provide is varied, it can be allowing someone the time to express how they feel and providing emotional support. It can also involve increasing family carer’s knowledge and informing them of what support/services are available, whilst making it known where and how to access them
Is this your first job within Suffolk Family Carers, or have you moved throughout the organisation?
This is my first position within Suffolk Family Carers, I have a background in healthcare but prior to my current role I was a stay at home parent for almost two years.
What attracted you to work for the charity?
I had always liked the idea of working within a charity and decided that I would explore what opportunities might be available to me. I was already aware of Suffolk Family Carers and some of the support they provide. I really wanted a role that was meaningful to me, I agreed with the aims of the charity, so when I saw the post advertised it was an easy decision to apply!
What makes you passionate about the role of ‘the carer’?
I’m motivated by the family carers themselves, their commitment and often resilience.
Being a carer is such an important role, which can be overlooked.
I’m passionate about putting carers into focus and listening to what they want, when so often they spend most of their time thinking about others.
What does a typical work day look like?
No two days are often the same, there hasn’t been a day yet where I haven’t learnt something new. . Interacting with people is my favourite part of the job. I love being able to be flexible in my approach, whether that means going for a walk and a chat, a coffee or visiting carers in their own home.
I work alongside a great multi-disciplinary team, with a whole host of skills and knowledge. The role within the Stroke Early Supported Discharge team is relatively new. We are continuously reviewing and reflecting on practices to ensure the service meets the needs of carers who it serves.
Outside of your Suffolk Family Carers world, how do you like to spend your time, and who with?
I live in Suffolk with my partner Mark and our two children, who are 3 and 6. You’ll often find us all outside, whether that be at the beach, in a park or walking in the woods.
Our family pet is an African land snail named “Tito”, he is almost the size of your palm.
My favourite thing to do is listening to live music, but equally I enjoy hosting and cooking for my friends and family. But don’t expect me to bake banana bread it’s always a disaster!
How do your family or colleagues describe you?
Passionate, warm hearted with humour in good measure. Do you have a surprise skill which few know about you? I can roll my stomach muscles! Useless but a skill nonetheless.
Name three words which sum up the role of a carer:
Attentive, selfless and compassionate.
