Rusper teenager with rare genetic condition has dream come true thanks to charity

Mikey Turner – who has a rare genetic condition affecting only 30 people worldwide – has lived at the Chailey Heritage Fountion for the past four years, but desperately wanted to spend a week living at his family home with his parents.

Support worker Amy Selby was able to help make his wish a reality and says the charity – which has just launched a new recruitment campaign – is a very special place to work.

She said: “It was magical being able to make it possible for Mikey to go home for a week and spend precious time with his family. We even took Mikey on a canal trip.

“It is lovely working with these young people. It is a very special working environment. It is challenging but rewarding. There are highs and lows but that’s the case with most jobs.

“Making such magical memories is amazing and I would strongly recommend it.”

Mikey’s mum Jenny said Chailey Heritage had been a lifeline and that they regard it as an extension to their family.

The charity, which provides education and care for young people with complex disabilities, is now looking to add more members to its team across 14 different roles.

These include support workers, both on-site and in the community, lunchtime and teaching assistants, and housekeeping roles.

Some are based at the charity’s headquarters in North Chailey, near Haywards Heath, while others are providing individual support for young people in their home.

Some are daytime roles, others are night time and also include weekends.

Chief executive, Helen Hewitt, said: “We employ around 450 people at Chailey Heritage Foundation and 2020 has, of course, been a challenging year for everyone.

“We always strive to employ high quality people who in turn provide the best possible support to the children and young people in our care.

“We have had to review the way we operate during this pandemic. As a result, we have vacancies available across a wide range of roles.”

Visit www.chf.org.uk/vacancies, follow Chailey Heritage Foundation on social media, or call 01825 724444.

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