50 Voices
LEVON 50 Voices captures the authentic voice of the people that use our services and our staff as Turning Point celebrates its 50th anniversary
50 Voices
Levon Bodden
50 Voices
Levon Bodden
Levon Bodden was supported by the staff at the Birmingham Community Navigator Service.
I decided to move to England from the Cayman Islands in 2013. I had only been here a couple of months but I was having a few problems navigating around the area, getting settled and sorting out housing. When I visited the Birmingham Community Navigator Service I found that they were willing to go the extra mile. They’re not all about collecting money from the council; they really do their job properly! Honestly I felt sceptical about turning to Turning Point for support but at the same time I was more than willing to give it a go. In terms of how I thought Turning Point would support me, I hoped they Service users at one of our Turning Point services. would be able to help a person who had left their country to figure out how to survive in the chaos in England.
When I visited the Birmingham Community Navigator Service I found that they were willing to go the extra mile.
50 Voices
Levon Bodden
There are dozens of services which support people in finding their feet and getting settled but I haven’t found one that can hold a candle to Turning Point. At the Birmingham Community Navigator Service it was a very nice environment. It’s a new build resource centre; there is a computer lab there and lots of pamphlets. They provided a lot of information that helped me to point myself in the right direction.
My personal turning point was when I realised that some people genuinely do care. Everyone who supported me at the Birmingham Community Navigator Service were so friendly and kind; they were actually good people! Donna Henderson was my key worker and if I had an appointment for Housing or with a Community advice bureau, for example, Donna would come with me. What I liked about Donna was her interpersonal skills.
From the moment I arrived at Turning Point, I immediately felt comfortable.
The staff weren’t just there because it was their job but they were actually passionate about helping.
The atmosphere was very informal and inviting. Donna and I would grab a cup of coffee and toast while Donna allowed me to vent. Donna also got to know me and see me as a person, not as a number and that’s what most people need. I noticed that all the staff weren’t just there because it was there job but they were actually passionate about helping. There was a human aspect to their work which I found more valuable than merely being signposted to get further support. I felt like I was dealing with friends rather than just a company.
50 Voices
Levon Bodden
Before going to see everyone at the Birmingham Navigator Service I was very sad, depressed and unhealthy. Now I’ve realised where my passion is. I’d like to be a voice for vulnerable people. I’m currently completing an introduction course for Health and Social Care and am in the process of navigating how to get into university.
My passion is in people not in numbers and not in just filling quotas to get money. I’d like to be a voice for vulnerable people. I’m currently completing an introduction course for Health and Social Care and am in the process of navigating how to get into university. During my time in England I’ve built up a rapport with different people and entities and at some point I’d like to open my own resource centre providing a stellar service – people will come first! I’d like to really help people from British territories who are living in the England and who may not have received as much support as they would have liked.
By the time individuals stop receiving support from the Birmingham Community Navigator Service many have already accomplished their goals. However there are some who are still on their way, whether it’s becoming generally self-sufficient or finding somewhere to live. Ideally in the future the Community Navigator service will be offered further resources to continue on their stellar performance.
50 Voices
Turning Point Standon House 21 Mansell Street London E1 8AA 020 7481 7600 info@turning-point.co.uk
50 Voices Learn more at www.turning-point.co.uk For press enquiries about 50 Voices please contact press@turning-point.co.uk