Meet some more Meath people

Publication date: September 2006.
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”I hope you enjoy the second issue of our newsletter. The Meath is one of the UK’s most advanced centres specialising in the care and treatment of epilepsy. We contantly strive to provide our residents with the most professional care and support that we can in an environment as close to home as we can make it. Our strength is the people who work for us, and I am delighted to include 2 long serving members of staff in this profile as well as Helen Mather who joined us recently as a fundraiser”. Gordon Hennessy – Chief Executive

Clarissa spent her childhood years in Canada before returning to the UK at age 13. “I hated it when we came back”, she recalls, “all the other kids made fun of my accent!” Prior to joining the Meath Clarissa worked in Care for 20 years. “I’m so glad I decided to join the Meath” she says. “It’s such a happy place and everyone is so positive here”. Clarissa manages Westbrook and has seen many changes, all for the better, since first arriving 10 years ago. “Although we function in separate units we are really like one big family here”, she says. As well as being a qualified NVQ Assessor and Professional Trainer, Clarissa recently qualified as an RMA (Registered Manager Award) which is the highest level of qualification attainable at the Meath.

Sally is our resident night manager. She has worked at the Meath for 17 years. “These have been very happy years for me” she says. “I feel our service is second to none and that each member of staff has the opportunity to make a difference for each of our special clients. Whether it is frenetic partying, quiet reflection time or just a good night’s sleep – we as a team are here to actively support and respect our client’s choices. We try to offer a happy, safe and nurturing environment where clients feel safe to grow in confidence and are able to express themselves as individuals. Our wish always is to make a positive difference”.

Helen is the latest arrival at the Meath and very welcome she is too as she plans to raise lots of money for us! She previously worked in the grants office of the Lottery Fund and was responsible for awarding money. Now she plans to show her prowess at raising it. Helen first heard of the Meath through our new station poster. Initially she plans to concentrate her time building a database of charitable trust funds who she can approach for support, and creating a bank of volunteers to help with locally run events. She is also working on our website to make sure we capitalise on all the fundraising opportunities this increasingly important method of communication provides.