Colleague Spotlight: Paul Dawson

Our Colleague Spotlight feature is on Paul, who is a Deputy Manager for our Shared Lives service. Read Paul’s interview below to find out what he loves about his job, his proudest moment, and much more.

How long have you worked at Surrey Choices?

I started just over eight years ago as a Support Worker at The Harbour. After a few years I moved to Lockwood, and then got promoted to Senior Support Worker for Rebound Therapy. I then moved to Shared Lives as a Scheme Worker, and last year I was promoted to Deputy Manager for Shared Lives.

What do you love most about your job?

I am very lucky to have a great staff team who are a joy to work with. I also think Shared Lives is the ideal model of care in that it gives people the chance to develop real independence. Two days are never the same and there is always something new to learn which keeps it interesting.

What is your proudest moment at Surrey Choices?

There have been quite a few. Overall, 2017 was a great year for me; the Rebound Team won the BBC Radio Surrey and Sussex Community Hero Award in the Sports Category, we were the runners up in the Sports Guildford Award in the Disability Sports Category, and I was nominated for a Special Achievement Award within Surrey Choices.

What do you like doing outside of work?

I love spending time with my two sons, who are five and six years old. I am trying to get them into skateboarding but unfortunately according to them, skateboarding is not cool anymore. I love being outside and visiting places around the UK.

What is a personal goal of yours?

About two years ago I did an overnight walk from Brighton to Guildford with a couple of friends for charity which took 20 hours to complete. Next year, I am looking at doing it again, but this time walking along Hadrian’s Wall which is about 80 miles, in order to raise some money for Surrey Choices’ charity of the year, Action for Carers.

What is at the top of your bucket list?

I would like to travel a lot more outside of the UK, especially to do a Safari.

 

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