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Barca-Leeds administrator, Sophie, wrote this to share her “Barca Story” during National Inclusion Week 2022.
My name is Sophie, I’m 25 years old, work in the Stronger Families team as an administrator and have multiple chronic health conditions. I was diagnosed with2 chronic pain conditions called Degenerative Disc Disease and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome when I was 19 but it isn’t until around 3 years ago that my health started declining. Unfortunately, it will continue to decline throughout my life and it causes me a range of symptoms, the most difficult being the pain I experience. I’ve had to deal with my conditions most of my working life and adjust to what this means for any career prospects.
In my role as administrator I’m responsible for processing new referrals, speaking to families and triaging them to make sure they’re right for the service, working with other teams and allocating them referrals, as well as speaking to other professionals across the city to build relationships alongside other tasks. Most of my role is office based so I’m able to work from a desk and can limit my movements which can help me monitor my conditions and work the best I am able to.
My manager has been very understanding and supportive and is always keen to make my work experience as easy as possible. I have a specialist desk set up including a rising desk which means I can either sit down to work or rise it toa standing desk height if I need to change positions. I have a chair that has been made according to my body measurements with a supportive back and it moves positions depending on my level of pain. I also have a specialist keyboard and mouse that help my wrists and shoulders stay in their most natural position so it doesn’t put more strain on my back. I work mostly in the office as I have this equipment available but if my pain flares up my manager and team are supportive and I work from home when I may need access to my personal aids and need comfort to help me work better.
My experience of disability support at Barca has been the best I’ve come across. I’ve never felt bad for having conditions and needing extra support or adjustments. My manager and team are always looking to assist me, whether it’s carrying something heavy for me or checking in if I have a bad day and it means I still feel like a valuable member of the team rather than being a burden to anyone. I’ve had some incredible conversations with colleagues about my conditions and their experiences and found the environment has made this possible; rather than disability being something we don’t ever talk about and is dealt with behind closed doors, there is an open and inquisitive atmosphere and people feel comfortable to ask questions and learn more about disability which has in turn helped my experience massively.
