TGt Meets...Michelle Turner of Diverse Abilities

In this TGt Meets, find out about Michelle Turner, the Deputy Supported Living Manager at Diverse Abilities.

Describe what Diverse Abilities do.

Diverse Abilities is a local charity that supports children and adults who have learning disabilities that impact their daily lives, to achieve education, goals and day to day living

What is your role and what are your day-to-day responsibilities?

I am Deputy Manager in Supported Living. I oversee eight of the seventeen supported living services. My job is to make sure the people we support are supported in the way that they want to be, and that the services are running safely and effectively. I line manage several staff, and meet with them every month.

What inspired you to be in the charity/voluntary sector?

For me, its Diverse Abilities ethos and the feel within the company – we support an amazing group of people.

When did you join Diverse Abilities and how has the charity changed since then?

I joined Diverse Abilities in 2018, as part of our day service – that was an exciting time as the Beehive was going through a major refurbishment, and I had always wanted to work as part of day service and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I moved over to Supported Living during the covid pandemic. I feel the charity has grown however we still have the family feel I found at The Beehive back in 2018.

What has been the highlight of your role in 2024?

There’s been so many! We had a summer BBQ for the people we support at the Treehouse. I also travelled to Swindon with the people we support to collect their new dog, Teddy. Another highlight for me was being asked to co-host the Reasons to Care podcast. I have been enabled to have some conversations that highlight the importance of what caring can bring to others!

Name something you’re looking forward to for 2025?

Recording series 3 of the Reasons to Care Podcast and continuing to work with the people we support and their families.

CLICK HERE - to visit the Diverse Abilities website.