Interview with the New Night Light Cafe Assistant Coordinator?
by Stacey Marriott – Night Light Cafe Coordinator
The Night Light Cafe staff team has recently grown as we welcomed Kerry to the team at the start of August in the role of Assistant Night Light Cafe Coordinator. We thought an interview with Kerry would provide a great opportunity for you all to get to know her a little better!
Q: Kerry, tell us a little about yourself: One thing you love, one thing you hate and one thing that always makes you laugh?
A: I love long walks, I hate wasps, My husband always makes me laugh!
Q: What attracted you to applying for this role?
A: I have a keen interest in mental health and love the work of the Night Light cafes and I wanted to play a part in the cafes growing and being a part of helping as many people as possible.
Q: What has been your first impression of the Night Light cafe and how have you found your first few weeks of working for Acts Trust?
A: My first impression of the Night Light Cafe’s has been really positive, the support they offer to people is of huge benefit. I also have been surprised by how much work goes on in the background for them to run! It’s been great to see that so many people are keen to run them in more areas across the county and it’s exciting to see how they will develop over the next few months / years.
I have really enjoyed my first few weeks with Acts Trust. The team are all really lovely and have been really welcoming. I can already see how well supported everyone is and I am really happy to be part of the team!
Q: What are your thoughts about the NHS Mental Health Transformation programme?
A: I think it’s really exciting to see the improvements that are happening in the mental health services as part of the transformation programme and the passion that many people have to play a part in that change and to improve things for people who may need to access services. Mental health is so important and the transformation programme will bring about many improvements that will benefit many people in the future.
Q: What are you most looking forward to as you get settled into this role?
A: I am looking forward to being part of the team and helping to set up new cafes over time and also helping to support existing team leaders and volunteers to continue doing the great work supporting guests at the Cafes.
Q: What part of the job do you think you will find most challenging?
A: I think hearing about how difficult life can be for some people is always challenging and knowing that we can’t always fix everything for others, even when we really want to!
Q: What is one thing you would like to say to anyone who would like to visit the Night Light cafe for support but is feeling nervous about coming along?
A: I would say get in touch for a chat and someone can talk to you about the cafes, what they are like, what to expect and have a volunteer meet you outside on your first visit if you would like. I would also say it’s completely normal and ok to feel nervous about visiting as it is a new experience and most people feel this way! but I would encourage you to give it a go as I have heard so many positive stories from people who have been to the cafes and I think once you have been and met the lovely volunteers you will want to go back again!
Q: Do you have any further comments?
A: I feel really happy to be part of the Night Light Cafe team as well as Acts trust – Everyone is passionate about their work and working together to improve the lives of many people in and around the City, Acts Trust have some great projects and people and I feel that Lincoln is really blessed to have them in our City!
If you would like to know more about Night Light Cafe or would be interested in volunteering with us then contact us via our email at nightlight@actstrust.org.uk.
Or if you want to access mental health support for yourself or someone you know call us on 0300 011 1200 or see our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nightlightcafelincoln
