I came across United Response about two years ago through my social prescriber as I was keen to get back into work. At that time, my confidence was really low, and from previous roles I had lost my faith in people. I had also been labelled as ‘limited capacity for work-related activities (LCWR)’ after an assessment by Department for Work and Pensions. This means that I can’t work full-time, but I can still work 16 hours or less – that isn’t an easy role to find.

What I found really good about United Response was there was no pressure, but they did encourage me. Some days my mental health wasn’t letting me get out of the house, even if I had an appointment. And when I would tell my key worker this, they would give me different options: someone could come to me, someone could come with me to my appointment and that support really helped. Working with United Response helped to rebuild my confidence so I was ready to look for a new role.

We looked at a few different things that didn’t work out, but then we started looking at a school crossing patrol role which I got an interview for. My key worker supported me with interview preparations and also came along with me to the interview which was great for moral support.

After I passed the interview, DBS and safeguarding checks, I was offered the job and I just love it. I wake up every morning knowing the importance of my role and knowing that the people of this area rely on me. From day one, the community truly welcomed me, and the positivity and support from local residents and the school has been amazing.

I like to get up early – my morning shift is 8am-9am, but I like to get up around 5am so I can get ready without having to rush. I get to my crossing early to set up cones to make sure people don’t park in front of the school for safety reasons. I never want to be confrontational and tell people to move, so the cones act as a reminder to not park there so I can focus on being a friendly, reassuring face to the students.

If things do happen during the day that can endanger someone I have to report it – thankfully this doesn’t happen often, but I take the safety of the residents and pupils very seriously. I have even started studying the highway code and safeguarding so I know what to do if a situation ever does arise.

I’ve developed a strong working relationship with the school, the pupils and their parents, many of whom affectionately call me “The Sheriff”! It means a great deal to me when they acknowledge my efforts, offering kind words, smiles, and waves as they drop their children off at school.

Now that I have found this role, I am so much happier and would gladly stay here until retirement. I receive really nice feedback from parents who see me doing my job every day – someone recognised me the other day in a shop and took the time out to tell me I do a good job.

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