Supported Internship Day: The Importance of Ongoing Support for Young People in Employment
This month’s spotlight shines on Sue Coleman, an Employment Support Specialist with the EmployAbility East team. Since joining Surrey Choices in August 2023, Sue has drawn on her extensive mental health experience to create safe, supportive spaces for her colleagues — launching regular wellbeing sessions that are already making a difference.
A Passion for Empowering Others
Before joining Surrey Choices, Sue spent 20 years working at MIND, supporting individuals with their mental health. That same passion for care and empowerment continues to shine through in her role today.
Sue explains, “I love seeing how the customers grow on their journey and supporting them to achieve their dreams and goals. We get calls from parents who cannot believe how far their loved one has come — and that’s such a great feeling, knowing we’ve helped someone exceed their expectations.”
Creating Space to Connect
As a home worker, Sue began to feel the impact of working remotely — missing the day-to-day connection with colleagues, especially when navigating difficult or emotional moments.
“I would have a phone call with a customer’s family member and want to share it with someone — either to celebrate or to ask for help,” Sue says. “I raised the idea of creating wellbeing sessions with the seniors, and they were so supportive. Having a background in mental health, I know how important it is to feel connected to people for support and friendship.”
So, the idea of regular wellbeing sessions for the EmployAbility East team was born.
Supporting Each Other and Having a Laugh
Held every three to four weeks on alternating Thursdays and Fridays, the sessions aim to be inclusive, collaborative, and flexible — shaped by what the team needs.
Sue hopes that by offering a space to talk openly, share experiences, and support one another, colleagues will feel closer and less isolated.
“If it helps just one person feel better about themselves or solve a tricky problem, then it’s worthwhile,” she says.
Early sessions have included a range of supportive and engaging activities, such as sharing stories and offering peer support, light meditation to help relax and refocus, a fun wellbeing quiz and creating an open space for conversations and connection.
Leading by Example
Outside of work, Sue has found her own ways to unwind and take care of her mental wellbeing.
“I’ve recently started knitting which I’m finding really useful for mindfulness — it helps me stay in the moment. If I’m feeling stressed, I’ll step away from the computer and pick up the needles. Switching focus like that really helps me reset.”
Sue also enjoys meditation and supports her son’s football team — “that certainly helps me let off some steam!” she joked.
Sue’s Advice for Mental Wellbeing
Sue’s top tip is simple but powerful:
“Always keep talking. Be honest and open — don’t keep things bottled up. When we stop talking, we feel alone and the problem feels bigger than it really is. Reach out to a family member, friend or colleague — you’ll find a solution and feel so much better.”
With her compassionate spirit and dedication to making a difference, Sue Coleman is helping both customers and colleagues thrive — showing that care starts from within the team.
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