A mental health housing support worker, writing from his experience, gives an insight into the breadth and depth of the job, and outlines some of the wide-ranging challenges workers face on a day to day basis. 

I am sometimes convinced that I am a 'Jack of all trades and master of none'.

My job is so wide ranging. In one day I need to know which buses to catch, help people with their utility bills, liaise with the DWP about someone's benefits and attend a planning meeting for my organisation’s new business plan.

So what do I do? I am a mental health housing support worker, which, for me, does not really describe what I do.

If I worked providing advice to the wealthy I might call myself a lifestyle manager, or consultant. This gives a clearer soundbite of what I do.

Another phrase that comes to mind is that I help, or at least try to help, people dig themselves out of a hole.

Let me give you a flavour of the range of tenants I deal with:

Herbert has been supported by the organisation for more than ten years. I am his fourth worker.

He constantly 'hears voices' and believes the television, radio and other people are talking about him, sometimes in a pejorative way. He was initially easily to engage with as I became his appointee.

He found it difficult to trust me because of his level of paranoia. I stuck in there and attempted to be consistent with him, giving him space to talk.

After a year, he began to trust me. Now he phones when he believes, for example, the television is talking about him and I am able to reassure him, which he accepts.

Rupert received a head injury five years ago and uses alcohol excessively.

This has meant he has been left with severe memory problems. These factors and his challenging behaviour have meant he has been excluded from services.

I was able to build a rapport with him, such that I have assisted him with debt problems, kept him engaged with his GP, dentist and optician.

I have been a buffer between him and other services so he has not been excluded due to his challenging behaviour. At times, I can act as a repository for his memories.

Edna is a very articulate and spirited woman and currently studying for a part-time university degree.

She is very able and I have encouraged her to take on more responsibility for her life, which she has done successfully.

By helping her to apply to the court, she has been able to reduce her debt. Encouraging her in her studies has been a major part of the support I have offered.

When Edna became unwell recently I was able to offer support to her family as well as her.

Arnold moved from one of the organisation’s residential establishments recently to live independently with support. He is a very anxious person, which has an impact on his memory.

Two months after he had moved into his property Arnold realised he did not wish to live on his own, as he found the lack of company stressful.

Assisting Arnold to find alternative accommodation like shared housing forms a large part of my work with him. I have also assisted him to make enquires about his adopted daughter.

I enjoy the multifaceted nature of my work, which at times is stressful, but enjoyable and challenging.

So on reflection I feel I that I am a 'Jack of all trades and master of them all'.