International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 as a focal point in the women’s rights movement.  Bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights,  violence and abuse against women.

The Theme for International Women’s Day 2023 campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity

For International Women’s Day and beyond, let’s all fully #EmbraceEquity.

Lets look at a  basic definition of each word as it is  critical to understand the difference between equity and equality.

Equality means ‘’each individual or group of people is given the same resources or opportunities’’.

Equity means ‘’recognising that each person has different circumstances, and allocates the exact resources and opportunities needed to reach an equal outcome’’.

Please introduce yourself and explain how you came to be supported by SecretANGELS?

My name is Heather, I was very unwell and went into hospital twice. When I was finally discharged and came back home, a lovely lady, who was part of the team put in place to help me, referred me and my situation to SecretANGELS. I was completely unaware of the SecretANGELS organisation at that time and was delighted when they promptly contacted me.

From the telephone conversation we had, I could tell they were different, but in a good way. When you are vulnerable it is very tempting to put your guard up. Especially in having to let people know about your life and situation. We don’t know if their caring is genuine and of course we don’t know what is going to happen.

From the very first encounter over the phone, A SecretANGEL was arranged to visit me at my home. She was very, very friendly, professional, knowledgeable and understanding. She helped me to see how SecretANGELS could support me to live a life worth living. I came to know other SecretANGELS (Personal Assistants) as my support progressed. They have made such a positive impact in my life I will always remember them. To this day I am receiving support that goes way above and beyond.

The little things they do really make a difference, as little as a phone call to really show they care. They also do big things, very big things that I could not have done on my own, it just wouldn’t have been possible. Apologies, I can get quite emotional because without SecretANGELS I wouldn’t be able to give this testimony. I am so very grateful, not just for me, but for my family. I have three sons, the youngest happens to know a family member of one of the SecretANGELS team. It can be such a small world and it was nice that I could share this experience with my son and SecretANGELS because without this situation, they would just be friends. Now SecretANGELS are part of my home, they truly are.

Could you please share with us how SecretANGELS helped you personally? And only if you feel comfortable, could you describe your condition so we could get a better understanding of it?

I was diagnosed with a very rare syndrome. It is called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. I had never heard of it before, even after many years working within the health industry. There I was, now disabled not entirely knowing what to do. All four of my limbs have muscle wastage. I now struggle with simple tasks. I struggle to write, to walk and I am evidently housebound. When SecretANGELS came on board I was so grateful. They brought me food, food that I could just eat without having to get up and prepare anything. As I said it’s the small things that make the difference. (They brought me food weekly, and on some occasions my cultural food, fully prepared!)

There has been a lot of paperwork as a result of having this illness. I am able to speak, just how I am speaking with you, even though I can get tired at times. SecretANGELS were so patient with me and were able to understand what I was saying and support me with articulating my needs to other professionals, so that I could fill out the endless forms. They even posted them for me. I have a great amount of trust for the team at SecretANGELS. I have also had significant results from the organisations that SecretANGELS have recommended to support me with my debts.

What SecretANGELS do is unique. There are some things that are required, not just to survive, but to keep life going on. Not just with writing and encouragement. Take Christmas time, any normal family would be able to go out and do their regular Christmas shopping. I am a single parent, I just couldn’t do it, SecretANGELS helped. Cleaning is extremely important to me. I had help from a male ANGEL called Nigel. He did a wonderful job with cleaning my home, but not just with cleaning, he even rearranged our electrical appliances to accommodate my mobility aids and the new fridge, freezer donated by SecretANGELS. We had to rearrange my home so that I can have access and communicate with the world. Nigel is a very pleasant gentleman.

Another ANGEL, Angela is her name, understood that as a woman, I take pride in my appearance, however due to the illness I haven’t been able to do my own hair. Angela offered to take me to get my hair done. I am yet to go as I just do not have the confidence at this moment in time. Having said that, as the weather is getting warmer, I am feeling a lot more positive, so I do believe in the future I will take up Angela’s offer. (UPDATE – I have now had my hair done and it feels GREAT!)

How long have you been supported by SecretANGELS?

I came out of hospital early August, so about 8 – 9 months.

I can tell you have a special relationship with SecretANGELS as you get emotional when you speak about your experience, I can see you care about the team very deeply. It is beautiful to see. This brings me to my final question. How has your life changed for the better since being supported by SecretANGELS? And if you could say something to the team right now what would you say?

Being supported by SecretANGELS has allowed me to retain my independence, in my own home. Since leaving the hospital at the beginning of August last year, I have not been back. Everything that has happened on a day to day basis, I know I have support if I need it. I know that all I need to do is pick my phone and call SecretANGELS. I can ask my son to text SecretANGELS and I know that they will get back to me and help will come. I have that reassurance that they will be there for me.

As women we need very important items to be able to live comfortably. You know what I am talking about. Without these items, it would be a disaster. I have 3 sons, ideally, I don’t want them worrying about things like that for me. SecretANGELS asked me what and when these items were needed. They then supplied them for me and helped me to maintain my dignity. Something so simple, but also very important, if you are a female. There was no hesitation, I am so grateful!

Things like that make me think, thank God for SecretANGELS.

The name SecretANGELS is so befitting for what they do. They truly are ‘ANGELS’. It’s the personal things, the attentiveness, the person-centred approach that are just so truly wonderful. Thank you for going above and beyond with what you have done. I wish to carry on being supported by SecretANGELS, I wish to be able to give my time to support SecretANGELS. They have done such a wonderful job. They have taught me a lot. How human beings can be so caring at a time of need. Thank you!

What is your business called and what inspired you to start?

My business is called JJB Cleaning, we started in 2019. The main reason I decided to start the cleaning business was because as part of my work for SecretANGELS I noticed the poor condition of some of the clients’ homes. This would sadden me, because the state they were living in was no fault of their own. As most of the clients were either elderly or disabled, it was hard for them to maintain their home alone. I wanted to lend a helping hand because that is the right thing to do. The reason why I work with SecretANGELS is because I enjoy helping others.

How did SecretANGELS help you in regard to your business?

SecretANGELS in partnership with MMAS Foundation, offers an Investors in People Program, in which they encourage and support their ANGELS, to develop their skills and ideas into successful businesses. They have helped me to set up and grow my business as part of this program, providing ongoing support and mentoring. Together, we discussed my idea, smoothed out the wrinkles and agreed on a plan of action. Then, they provided all the cleaning products and equipment to help me get started! If there is one thing everyone should know about those who work with SecretANGELS, it is that the support and encouragement is there from the very beginning. If you have an idea or suggestion, it will be considered and supported.

What is a memorable moment?

We have a client who is blind and when I saw the conditions she was living in, it really upset me. The property was incredibly dirty and to see it like that, knowing that the client was unable to see, my heart just went out to her. I immediately got down to work so that it looked liveable again. I have some before and after images for you to compare the difference. When we told the client what we had done, the heartfelt gratitude she displayed, made it all worthwhile.

What inspired you the most about becoming a SecretANGELS apprentice and why did you think it was the best choice for you?

I am studying Health and Social Care at College and decided to become an SecretANGELS Apprentice because I knew it would help me, both with my current studies and future career. I love helping people to experience and enjoy new things. Seeing people happy, makes me happy and SecretANGELS seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Why did you choose to study Health and Social Care?

I wanted to work in an industry where I could help young children with learning disabilities to excel and reach their potential. Studying Health and Social Care will help me to build a solid foundation of knowledge on which to develop my career. Also being able to work with so many people from different backgrounds within SecretANGELS, has confirmed that this is an enjoyable and valuable experience.

What do you love most about your role of a SecretANGELS Apprentice?

I am so grateful for this opportunity and I’m really happy to be trusted enough to just get on with the work. I’m not rushed, but I know I am working to a deadline. I’m a planner, so I like to organise the things that I do. Being a SecretANGELS apprentice there is a lot of administration, so being organised has definitely been an advantage for me. 

Like I said before I love seeing people happy, so working with people from so many different backgrounds and having the opportunity to make at least one-person smile, gives me a huge sense of fulfilment.

How did you become a SecretANGELS apprentice?

I had been speaking with my mum about getting into Health and Social care and studying it at college, when my mum (who is actually a SecretANGEL already) suggested that I contact the founder to see if there was anything I could do to help out and gain experience. When I did, she was amazing and so helpful. The process was quick and simple. I am actually the 1st ever SecretANGELS Apprentice.

What is your SecretANGELS role?

Currently my role is mostly admin based. Organising files and helping with logs. I work with the accountants to organise the money raised from fundraisers, which contributes towards the costs for activities and trips for our clients. I also help with the social media, which is very interesting and make sure there are pictures of the activities, so no moment is missed.

I am starting to help with the workshops too, as I really enjoy spending time with the clients and PA’s. We have different activities every week and seeing the clients enjoy themselves is always fun. I would say that is my favorite part.

What activities / workshops do you help with?

I help with the Money Skills Workshop. Some of the clients do not understand the concept of money. For example: how to count the right amount to pay for their items or to check that they have received the right change, this makes them vulnerable. Sadly, people can take advantage of this. This is why SecretANGELS creates workshops like ‘Money Skills’, to help clients develop skills they can use in their everyday life, so they can be more independent.

How would this experience link to the course you are studying at college?

The experience I get when working at SecretANGELS helps me grasp a greater understanding of certain scenarios. Having hands on experience is very beneficial, we can’t solely learn from a text-book, especially in the field I want to go into. I have really benefited from this. In my exams at college, we get asked about different scenarios, having 1st hand experience will definitely help me answer those questions.

What skills have you developed whilst being a SecretANGELS Apprentice?

Communication skills for sure! I was very reserved and shy before SecretANGELS. I always kept to myself. Being around people almost every day, for the majority of the day, who also may have difficulty communicating with you, has shown me how to adapt and communicate accordingly. Teamwork is everything. Most of the workshops are in groups, so you need to be able to listen to other people’s ideas and work as a team.

What is your favorite memory of SecretANGELS?

My first day, I just felt so welcome. The 1st day is normally the scariest day for any job, however, I felt so welcome and comfortable around everyone. They made my day!