Staff at Lincolnshire Leaving Care have been celebrating the passion and commitment shown by a team member who is celebrating 25 years of supporting care leavers.
The service, which is run by children’s charity Barnardo’s, supports young people from the age of 16 to their mid-20s, to make a successful move to living in the community. It supports the transition to independent living, including advice, supported lodgings and help getting a job.
Michelle Szendrey from Lincoln knew she wanted to work with young people facing difficulties from a young age and spoke to a careers advisor about it at school. She went on to volunteer with young offenders while undertaking a qualification in psychology and social care. Michelle then joined what is now the Leaving Care Service run by Barnardo’s and has seen the service grow over time to what it is today.
Michelle commented: “I love my job – it is so diverse and each young person is different with different needs. I’m so humbled by the young people who have sometimes been through so much but get up each day and get on with their life the best they can.”
Some of the young people Michelle has supported over the years are now in their mid to late thirties and she has developed such strong connections that she even gets invited to weddings and other events.
Her colleague Ben Coles said: “I’ve known Michelle for a long time since first working in the social sector and her passion, energy and care for young people has never changed.”
Krayg Lee, Manager said: It is an honour to manage Michelle, her attitude and passion is second to none. Some heroes wear capes, and other wear leaving care badges!!”
For further information about Lincolnshire Leaving Care visit https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/lincolnshire-leaving-care-service or call 01522 575955.
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