DurhamEnable initially organised Alexandra a work trial at the Manor House Hotel in Bishop Auckland doing housekeeping. After trying the role Alexandra decided she wanted a different type of cleaning job, which resulted in her being supported by DurhamEnable into a role at Hiyed as part of a team of two dedicated cleaners. This was the start of something which has been positive and life changing experience for Alexandra.
Tracy Fee, (Director & Founder of Hiyed) commented “Alexandra’s role here has been such a positive experience for her, and her confidence has grown massively from the shy girl who was hiding behind her hair to someone who is now chattering away, joining in with the office banter, she is very much part of the team now!”
Speaking about working at Hiyed Alexandra said “Since I joined Hiyed…. Well, I love this job! It feels like my family here. We all get on really, really well! The whole team are amazing because I love them so much and then because it’s like being a part of a big family.”
After starting work with Hiyed an opportunity for Alexandra arose to also work at Chester le Street Community Centre. This involved helping to run a group for people who are isolated from the community. As well as preparing the venue for members and managing petty cash, there is also a social element to the role mixing with people, greeting them, and helping them to feel comfortable.
In addition, Alexandra has also joined the Oliver McGowan mandatory training team as a Lived Experience Co-Trainer for learned disabilities with the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Programme.
Speaking about Alexandra Tracy says “Alexandra is really just building and embracing every life opportunity that’s come along really. She’s much more outgoing, much more confident, than when I first met her, she really benefits from being part of a team.”
Tracy added “DurhamEnable and Hiyed often work together really closely and it’s a really nice partnership between the two services and although we do similar things, it’s not really competitive, because we know there’s hundreds of people that need our support.”
