This month we caught up with Jo in our MAST team to find out a bit more about what she does. Jo has a challenging role in ensuring that, when people really need it, there is someone available from MAST to listen. But despite this challenge she is always calm and approachable.

What’s your role here at the Cellar Trust?
I am the MAST Team Lead, managing a team of 8 Peer support workers.

What do you do?
I manage our MAST peer support and support workers which is made up of Cellar Trust and Project 6 team members. The MAST team offer support in Airedale and BRI hospitals and then continued support within the community when people leave hospital. My role involves the day to day running of the team ensuring that we have cover within the hospitals and helping to supports clients in the community. I support my staff with signposting and any concerns that may arise. It’s a very busy role. 

What brought you to The Cellar Trust and what skills do you need to do your job?
I started working at the Cellar Trust just under 9 years ago managing the retail skills shop. I really liked that I would still be working in a retail environment which had been my background since leaving university but I would also be able to put my psychology degree to practice working within a mental health charity. I had a great 5 years in the shop helping to develop clients’ skills in retail with an end goal of finding employment, it was a great environment to work in with other members from the Cellar Trust team often helping in the shop when we were busy giving me time to develop and build relationships. The amazing charity shop bargains were also a plus!! 

I began realising that I would like to develop within the charity and started to look at future roles in the organisation and what I would like to do. I became the manager of the Telehealth team not long after and managed a team of 6 peer support workers deliver guided CBT to clients working in partnership with My Wellbeing College. I developed my knowledge and skills which enabled me to apply for the position of MAST team lead earlier on this year. 

What do you love most about The Cellar Trust?
Working with amazing people – I feel that everyone shares the same values and work ethic and it is great to be around such a great team of people who are doing amazing work. 

What do you love most about what you do? 
The variety! Everyday is different, meeting and working with partnership organisations, working alongside my great team. 

When you’re not working what do you like to do?
When not working I enjoy spending some of my free time helping to raise money for animal charities which are close to my heart- working towards change for all animals to be treated fairly.