MAPS stands for Mentoring and Peer Support. I volunteer as a mentor on a weekly basis for an hour at a time. The commitment is year long per child you take on. It takes a particular type of person to work with vulnerable children and although at times it can be difficult to hear their troubles it can be just as rewarding when you see them achieve goals they never thought were possible when you first met them. To become a mentor is a process of interviews, personality testing, induction classes and CRB checks. If you fit all of the criteria you are then matched individually to a young person by your personalities and compatibilities. My last young person described me as her Nanny McPhee...."when I needed you but didn't want you, you were there and now I want you but don't need you, you have to say good-bye". To be able to be there for someone and make a difference in their lives is one of the most rewarding and pleasing experiences of my life so far.

I work at Riva on a part time basis where I mainly work in the kitchen and bar area. I maintain high standards achieving 5 stars from both EHO inspections and mystery shoppers each year so far. My job entails stock control, implementing health and safety procedures, processing orders, training new staff and handling money on a daily basis. I also occasionally work at front of house welcoming customers and answering questions and calls from the public or on the main stage calling. I deal with the public daily in a friendly and professional manner making sure their needs are met and they have enjoyed their experience with Riva.

I took on the running of the public house at the age of 21. I had a staff of over 12 at any given time whom I trained and managed for the years of my service with Mitchell and Butler. I dealt with contractors, deliveries, ordering, wages, rotas, stock control, waste management, PR, advertisements for in-house promotional offers, administration, hiring and firing of employees and the daily running of the business reporting to an area manager on a monthly basis with sales figures and predicted targets.