In this feature, get to know some of our team at Sue Lambert Trust. This time we meet John, our Counselling Support and Development Manager who loves music and growing his food.
What lead you to your role at Sue Lambert Trust?
I started to become interested in counselling a few years ago when I was working as a team leader and manager in a local conservation organisation. Since then, I have developed my skills, working first as a Samaritans volunteer and then as a counsellor with various counselling services in Norfolk. Most recently, I led and facilitated a certificate in counselling course for trainee counsellors, as well as setting up a youth counselling service, both for another organisation locally. I was drawn to this role for its combination of counselling and team management skills, which fit in well with my experience and skills.
How would you summarise your role at Sue Lambert Trust?
I help support the counselling service here, which includes looking after counsellors, trainees, and volunteers; organising and running our training programme; helping develop systems and procedures; and seeing my own clients as a counsellor.
What do you like most about working for Sue Lambert Trust?
It’s a huge privilege to work with people who are so dedicated and knowledgeable, and who bring such a diversity of skills and experience to helping our clients. We learn so much from each other. Getting to know our trainees and seeing them develop in confidence and skill over the course of their placements is also hugely rewarding, as is setting up and running training events throughout the year. I also thoroughly enjoy the counselling work, which continues to be a core part of my role.
What do you like doing in your spare time, what are your hobbies or interests outside of work?
I spend a lot of time listening to all kinds of music, as well as going to concerts and festivals when I can. There is so much amazing music to hear and see performed from all over the world, from old timers to new artists, which I find really inspiring and joyful.
I’m a very keen gardener, and my favourite activity is pottering around trying to grow things. If this is combined with listening to music or a podcast, then that’s ideal. Mostly I enjoy this, but floods, droughts, and the annual hedge cut can be gruelling. It’s always great to see all the birds and insects, and the seasons changing.
What’s your favourite food or meal?
Something I’ve grown is good, or something my kids have cooked for me.
What’s your favourite place to visit in Norfolk?
I love Norfolk’s brilliant wild places and the diversity of different habitats and species. I also love Norwich, which was the first city I knew as a child and which somehow manages to keep changing, but also seems to stay the same.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Certain fields in Somerset around mid-summer’s day.