Being a Keyworker: Insight from Beth Craven

We caught up with Beth Craven, our appreciated Keyworker to ask a few questions about her role at Youth Hubz.
1
What is your background? And how did you become Keyworker at Youth Hubz?
“I worked for a semi-independent adult care company where I spent three years in a mental health home and a further two years working with L&D adults. I always wanted to work with young adults and when a previous colleague told me about Youth Hubz knowing I was interest in changing career direction to work with younger children, I applied, and I have been with the company for 9 months”
2
What is most rewarding aspect of being Keyworker?
“When you visually see the difference you make in a young person life”
3
What does a typical day look like as Keyworker?
“I will be real, no day is the same, one day could be best day ever and the next could be a complete contrast. It often depends on the young person you are supporting and the plans for the day can change constantly. Every day, I feel like I learn something new which improves my practise as a keyworker”
4
What do you think makes Youth Hubz stand out compared to other supported accommodation in the area?
“Lots, because of my previous employment I can see the difference in terms of standard of accommodation and standard of care as the whole focus is on the young person”
5
Would you recommend joining Youth Hubz?
“Yes”
6
What would your advice be to someone who is joining the Youth Hubz Team and awaiting induction.
“It’s worth the wait and I know I had a long wait before my induction but stick it out, it is worth it”

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.