Bidding a fond farewell to support worker Jenny
Jenny is looking forward to hitting the road in her new camper van
A support worker who has led a successful Hft drama group is hanging up her directors’ hat after a ‘happy and joyful’ career with Hft.
Jennifer Grout-Collister has been a valued member of the charity’s Resource Centre in Wadebridge for the last 13 years, but is now retiring.
Jenny, who moved to Cornwall in 2012, initially joined Hft as a relief support worker at the town’s day opportunities service.
But it wasn’t long before she had become a full time member of support worker staff and a key member of the team.
Over the years Jenny, a former youth worker, has been integral in the running of many of the resource centre’s groups, including its Coast Group and its hugely successful Drama Llamas theatre group
Last year Jenny and her colleagues supported the group in its production of A Night At The Musicals at Wadebridge Social Club
The show was a hit and attracted a capacity audience.
At Christmas, she led the preparation of the group’s festive production, A Christmas Carol, performed to family and friends.
Jenny also ran the resource centre’s art group and cooking skills sessions and was key in the development of the resource centre’s Voices to Be Heard group.
People supported by Hft across the country are keen members of the group, which enables them to share their view on the support they receive and the services offered by the charity as well as having a voice within their community.
Jenny has also accompanied some of the people supported by Hft on their holidays.
“I have always been a very creative person,” said Jenny.
“Working at the resource centre meant I could share those skills with the people we support.
“I received a letter from one, telling me how much my support meant to her and what she had got from it
“Those words were so special. It means so much to me that I made a difference in peoples’ lives.
“I have loved every minute working here and although I am retiring, I will still very much be part of the resource centre.”
Millie, who attends the resource centre, said: “Jenny has shared so much with all of us and taught us lots of new skills.
“She has always encouraged every single one of us to speak up for what we believe in.”
Jenny intends to spend her retirement travelling and catching up with friends.
“My husband retires in June and we are going to get a camper van,“ she smiled
“So we will be hitting the road and doing some travelling.
“Having extra time will also allow me to pursue some of my neglected interests too.”
Jenny, who is known for her phrase ‘I have an idea’ was presented with a special piece of art containing those very words as well as cards and gifts.
Resource Centre Service Manager Ollie Mitchell said: “Jenny is the epitome of what a support worker should be, her enthusiasm and generosity in the role is second to none .
“She will be sorely missed by supported persons and colleagues alike.”
