References

Ann Parkes - Chair of Trustees DVC

I have known Tina for a number of years both in my capacity as Head of Learning Disability for Dudley MBC and as a Trustee of Dudley Voices for Choice, a local self-advocacy charity.

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Tina has worked with people with learning disability for many years as a support worker following the advent of personal budgets. She showed herself to be reliable and trustworthy and able to work independently. She always put the needs and wishes of her clients first, supporting them to live their best lives.

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During her time as a support worker at DVC Tina proved herself to be an enthusiastic staff member who was a passionate advocate of the rights of people with learning disability to have their voices heard.

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Tina has worked with people with learning disability in a variety of settings and has a good understanding the complex needs presented. She is able to respond to differing communication needs and to develop effective relationships with people enabling them to reach their potential.

While with Dudley Voices for Choice Tina showed an ability to work well as part of a team and capable of working in partnership with representatives of a variety of other agencies and organisations.

Now that Tina is working independently again, I would have no reservation in recommending her as a support worker for people with learning disability.

Anne Gresswell

I have known Tina for over 6 years in the capacity of a Personal Assistant to my adult son who has learning difficulties, autism, epilepsy and ADHD.

During this time, Tina has built up a professional working relationship with my son. She provides him with support in all aspects of his day to day living i.e. meal planning, shopping, preparing and cooking meals, keeping house clean, washing, ironing etc. Tina also gives prompts with personal care and supports emotionally.

Tina also ensures that my son has an active social life by listening to my son’s choices and making arrangements to fulfil his requests.

More recently, Tina has taken on the responsibility of managing my sons medication: ordering tablets, making up daily doses also she accompanies him to medical appointments.

Earlier this year, Tina decided that to progress her career in Care and Support, she wanted to employ a small team of like minded, dedicated staff who would make up a registered care provision. After careful planning on the 1st October 2022 ‘Life of Mine’ was launched.

My son has been very content with the support he has received from Tina and is continuing to be extremely happy with the support he is now getting from the ‘Life of Mine’ team.

I have no hesitation in recommending Tina and her team at ‘Life of Mine’ in supporting vulnerable adults in the community. She is reliable, punctual, very responsive to the clients needs and is a person of complete integrity.

Sarah J Offley - Chief Officer DVC

This is a character reference for Tina Harrison. Tina worked for the charity for five years and had supported one of our members to regular events held by the charity for years previous.

Tina is a dedicated worker and a committed advocate for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Tina was always fair, hard working and dedicated to the charity.

Tina always went above and beyond to make sure that people were in control of their own lives and choices. This was always done with compassion and dignity. Tina was always punctual and worked as a volunteer on occasion after leaving the charity.

Tina’s approach to work and life is very person centred and driven, if someone wants to do something then she will go out of her way to make it happen.

I would re-employ Tina as she is a strong and dedicated person who has a lot to offer as an employee.

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