Being a Bank Staff: Insight from Sarah Sharp

We caught up with Sarah Sharp, one of our Bank Staff Support Workers to ask a few questions about her role at Youth Hubz.
1
What is your background? And how did you become Bank Staff at Youth Hubz?
“I have worked in a corporate environment since leaving education almost 20 years ago. Working in coaching, leadership and senior management roles. It was my own lived experiences that helped me recognise my contribution could make a positive difference to young people. I had heard lots of positive things about youth hubz and applied. Initially I wanted to test the water and see if I enjoyed the role, 3 months in and I am really enjoying it.”
2
Why did you become bank staff?
“I have a full time job and been bank staff gives me an opportunity to increase my monthly Income, with the flexibility of knowing I can do as much or as little as I like in terms of extra hours. I am not treated any differently to permanent employees and love that I can pick up shifts short notice if I want or pledge for shifts in advance to work around my full time employment commitments.”3
3
What is most rewarding aspect of being Bank Staff at Youth Hubz?
“Knowing I have made a positive difference, also supporting young people to become more independent. I have a full time job and been bank staff gives me an opportunity to increase my monthly Income, with the flexibility of knowing I can do as much or as little as I like in terms of extra hours. I am not treated any differently to permanent employees and love that I can pick up shifts short notice if I want or pledge for shifts in advance to work around my full time employment commitments. There are lots of benefits, whilst I do not get holiday pay quarterly I do get some extra pay proportionate to the volume of hours I have worked.
4
What does a typical day look like as Bank Staff?
“On a typical day I would arrive at placement, there would be a handover completed, and an opportunity to catch up with who ever is coming off shift this is a great opportunity to get to know your peers and build meaningful relationships. The handover includes any updates, any pre planned activities appointments. No two days are the same, there are some tasks that need to be completed at intervals during the day temperature checks, sharps checks etc. The day / shift needs to be documented clearly and accurately. I might support with health and safety assessments, tidying up, but in all my core responsibilities are to engage with the young person and support them. To be independent to encourage positive behaviour and prepare them for independence. I might take them shopping, help prepare a meal, encourage them and support them to keep their home tidy and clean, other times I might just observe them and be available for support if they need it. As bank staff a lot of my shifts are sleeps in which I usually arrive for 6.45pm handover, complete any activities or checks, engage with the YP, before tidying round securing the property and going to bed.”
5
What do you think makes Youth Hubz stand out compared to other supported accommodation in the area?
“Where to start… The quality of the placements, what they look like how they feel. Youth hubz gives such a cosy, high standard of accommodation. Many agencies that have visited whilst I have been on shift have commented on how comfortable, modern and homely the placements are. The wrap around support, the strategy that offers supported accommodation and floating support before being totally independent.”
6
Would you recommend joining Youth Hubz?
“Absolutely, the investment and support available to explore an alternative industry has been amazing. In a short time I have had official training to support my personal growth and development covering 5 specific subjects in addition to access to online learning HR and the management team have taken the time to get to know me and understand my goals and I have met lots of skilled people that have welcomed me to the team and shared with me their experiences and best practice that again have supported my understanding of the role.”
7
What would your advice be to someone who is joining the Youth Hubz Team and awaiting induction.
“Be patient. Don’t be surprised if it seems like it is taking a while, a DBS can take a few weeks. Once you start the induction, you get lots of support.”

April

Floating Support keyworkers
After leaving school, I worked in the textile industry for over 20 years. To support and encourage my daughter to attend college I completed an access to higher education course, where I had the chance to volunteer at a homeless shelter as part of the curriculum.

My passion for helping others then led me to start working with young people, initially in a mother and baby unit. In 2003, I joined Calderdale Council as a casual residential worker, becoming a permanent staff member in 2007. I then moved to a short break unit for children with learning disabilities in 2011, where I stayed until 2015 before changing my career path to focus more on support than care.

For the next 8 years, I had the privilege of supporting 16-18 year old care leavers, and I was even promoted to manager in 2018. It was a very rewarding experience, but I was eager for a new challenge when the opportunity to become a team leader working with Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) became available. I'm really enjoying the new experiences and the chance to support these young people as they navigate the asylum process and work towards living independently developing skills for community safety and involvement, personal hygiene, and basis English.

Outside of work, I cherish my time with my children and grandchildren. It brings me great joy to be able to spend quality time with my loved ones.

Babita Mehta

24/7 Operational Manager
Babita has worked with children for over 20 years. She has worked in the Education sector in a safeguarding role, before transitioning into Safeguarding Lead with Youth Hubz Semi Independent Support where she has worked for the last 18months. She is currently completing Level 4 in Children, Young People and Families Practitioner and ensures she keeps up to date with her role by attending various Safeguarding Leadership courses with new legislation and guidance. Babita has been Safeguarding Lead since 2021. She supports the implementation of policies and procedures with safeguarding practices. She ensures staff are up to date with all the developments in child protection policy, research, practice and guidance. In 2023 Babita was promoted to Operational Manager for 24/7 support.