Meet Rachel, one of our incredible community support workers based in our Narralling Social and Affordable Housing community, South West Sydney.
Rachel has worked in social housing for over 20 years and is passionate about supporting people who’ve experienced major disadvantages in life.
“As a Tailored Support Coordinator, my work has taught me that people are amazing and resilient,” she says. “Some of our residents have been through unimaginably hard times and yet are still thriving. It really makes you see the world differently.”
Rachel fell into social housing when she joined a business traineeship in a social housing organisation at the age of 19.
“I knew I’d always wanted to work with people, and something about social housing just felt right.”
Since then, she’s moved around in the social housing space, drawing on support from great managers to grow in her career.
“It can, of course, be challenging to work in a role like this,” she says. “You want to help everyone, and there is so much need. It can sometimes be a struggle to manage that balance between empathy and keeping your personal life separate. But I always think – the moment I stop caring is the moment I need to stop working in this space.”
Alongside her team, Rachel supports local residents to sustain their tenancies and to set goals for the future, breaking the cycle of dependency upon social and affordable housing.
“Ultimately, our aim is to see residents thrive, grow, and achieve their dreams,” she says.
What does this work look like day to day? According to Rachel, it might mean facilitating referrals, helping someone to find employment – but in all cases, the person themselves sets their own goals based on their needs and wants.
“I feel especially passionate about supporting our local children,” adds Rachel. “I see them as a key component to breaking the cycle of family trauma
“Some of my greatest achievements here at Narralling have been winning major grants and funding that can support the children here in our social housing community.
“We recently applied for and won funding for an after-school sports program and a tutoring program, both of which have made a huge difference for local children.”
Each year, Rachel and the team put on a big Christmas party for residents, with a big focus on the kids. Last year’s party even featured a petting zoo with alpacas, rabbits, and goats!
Outside of work, Rachel is a social butterfly, spending time with family, friends, and raising her two young boys. Her Nan, who recently turned 101 (pictured below at her 100th birthday party!), remains a strong influence in her life.
Rachel’s tip for living well is to simply try each day to be a decent human being – “Wherever possible, be kind, compassionate, and okay with imperfection.”
Rachel (right) loves to spend time with her family, including her Nan (centre), who has been a major inspiration in her life.
