In less than a fortnight, our Housing First Project Worker Jane is taking on a high-risk and scary challenge to mark working at Petrus for 10 years!
Jane will be taking to the skies on Sunday 23rd August 2020 for a sponsored wing walk, raising funds to help us to support vulnerable people facing homelessness.
She said: “The past 10 years working at Petrus has given me so many good memories, we have been able to help so many people and families to have a better life.
“Petrus has been wonderful to me, I have been challenged and supported throughout with plenty of opportunity to grow.
“I wanted to give something back, so now I’m hoping to take on a new challenge and take to the skies to raise funds for our organisation.
“I have absolutely no clue what to expect, so I’m just going to… wing it.”
Wing walking is when a person moves along the wings of a plane while it is in flight, including while the plane does manoeuvres and dives from 500ft in the air!
We couldn’t be prouder of Jane for preparing to tackle this hair-raising experience and for the work she’s done since joining us in 2010.
Through providing direct support Jane, who hit her decade milestone in May this year, has helped to change the lives of around 425 people who have experienced homelessness.
She has worked in many of our residential housing projects, at our Hub, as part of our women’s empowerment services and now our involvement in the Housing First project.
Jane has supported individuals with complex needs, mental health issues, substance abuse and those who have suffered domestic abuse, and has also worked alongside CRC and NPS probation services to help women move away from criminal behaviour and empower them to make positive changes to rebuild their lives.
Reflecting on some of her favourite memories over the years, Jane noted: “When Petrus celebrated our 40th Birthday back in 2012, I was part of organising a fashion show with our female residents and service users, going shopping with them and getting dressed up to put on a fabulous event.
“It was an incredible day had by all, seeing people we support walk down the catwalk and enjoying themselves. I’m so excited that in two years’ time, I’ll be able to celebrate Petrus’ 50th!
“Another wonderful highlight that sticks out for me is when I worked with some of the male residents to plan a camping holiday for all our service users at Petrus. We pitched tents, explored, cooked meals on the BBQ and played games of rounders.
“It was amazing, seeing people we support have a fun time in such a relaxed environment and building new friendships, and for many it was their first ever holiday – so it was extra special to be a part of that.”
Jane added: “I want to say thank you to everyone we support, our volunteers, my colleagues, sponsors and stakeholders for a wonderful decade and another decade to come.
“I truly believe in our vision that ‘Together we will end homelessness and create safe places where all people can flourish’ so please donate what you can!”