Senior support worker Denise Mumford is celebrating three decades of employment at learning disability charity Hft.
Denise started out working in the laundry but quickly progressed and in 1997 played a key role in moving residents at the service from a residential setting into their own homes within the Moreton in Marsh community. Citing the project as the most rewarding period of her three decades at the charity, Denise worked as part of a staff team who provided support throughout the transition – from getting people familiar with local amenities such as GP surgeries and supermarkets, to gradually introducing them to their new homes. Following the move, Denise watched people supported in the area thrive, and has remained at the charity’s services ever since.
She said: “I love my job and I have met some wonderful characters along the way. The best thing about being a support worker is making a difference to people’s lives, and getting them recognised for who they are, and not just their disability. It’s been amazing to see people living within their community in Moreton, where everyone has been so welcoming. Support work is so much more rewarding than people think and is more important than ever at this time, when people with learning disabilities need care and reassurance more than ever. I’d recommend it to anyone.”
Clive Parry, Regional Manager at Hft, said: “Denise has seen a great many changes during her time at Hft. However, one thing that has remained constant throughout has been her passion for helping people to have greater choice and control of their own lives.
“Denise has often advocated for people whose voices would not otherwise be heard and provided support and the benefit of her wealth of experience to Hft colleagues within her service but also the wider region. In a fast-changing world, Hft and adults with learning disabilities depend on people like Denise and I can’t thank her enough for her unwavering enthusiasm and commitment over thirty years’ dedicated service.”
