We like to start with the basics. So, can you tell us about how you came to join the Capacity team?
I joined the team in May 2019. Capacity had just won an exciting piece of work helping redesign Early Help and Prevention support for children and families in Wirral, and I came in to help deliver that project. I loved the can-do attitude of the organisation, and the fact it was very respectful of the superpowers of local organisations. Capacity really values listening – that was a big pull too – especially as I had a lot to learn!
What did you do before Capacity? (A bit of background)
I worked for 11 years for The Reader before joining Capacity, a Liverpool-based charity doing amazing work with literature. I had a range of roles there – I started off doing a lot of one-to-one project work with Children Looked After and running shared reading groups for adults in recovery. I moved over to Business Development after a few years, and helped the organisation to scale up and secure Calderstones Mansion, an asset transfer from Liverpool City Council. It was a great place to “grow up” professionally. Before that, I managed restaurants and did a lot of hours in hospitality!
What are you most looking forward to in your role?
I am really looking forward to seeing how Capacity’s new strategy starts to embed over the next 12 months. There are loads of exciting developments ahead for Juno – we are just about to open our third children’s home, and will open a fourth home within the next year or so – a big milestone for the team. I am also excited to see how Yonder’s pilot projects go! It’s going to be busy.
What are three words that describe you?
Curious, sociable and sweary.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Oooh, it has to be Phil Hill’s immortal poetry – it feels hard, because it is hard. Not because your s**t. Keep going!
What inspires you/ when are you most inspired?
It sounds like a cliché, but honestly its those moments when you can see work really impacting people in a positive way. Some of the feedback we’ve had from children we’re caring for in Juno will stay with me for the rest of my life. I also feel very inspired when I am around people being authentic and honest, people who are doing the right thing, not necessarily the easy or predictable thing.
If you could have a superpower what would it be?
I would be able to play the double-kick pedal like Brann Dailor from Mastodon. Can I have another one please? I would also like to sing like Liz Fraser.
What’s your favourite place in the LCR/ why?
At the moment, its Vulcan Studios in Liverpool. It’s a really welcoming, affordable place, Liverpool’s longest established rehearsing rooms for bands and artists since 1979. It’s a hidden gem, and has played such an important role in the cultural heritage of our city. Me and a friend recently started practising there, and the staff have made me feel very welcome and part of a community. I think it’s also the only place in the UK where you can still get a can of coke for 50p…
What’s one thing on your bucket list that you want to tick off this year?
My band Mizzo’s first gig!
What’s one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
It’s all worth it.
Who would play you in a biopic of your life?
Hahaha, oh God. I don’t know. Lynne from Alan Partridge?
If you had a magic wand what’s the one thing you’d fix/ why?
That nobody feels alone.
What’s a skill you’re working on mastering?
That double kick pedal! But workwise, I think its communicating really clearly. As an emotive person, I can get overwhelmed by my feelings when I am in a situation where I think someone isn’t getting a fair deal. Not letting that get in the way is a life-long goal!
What are you most excited about in life right now?
Oooh, well my eldest child has just turned ten and it feels like we are entering a whole new world!
