Katy Fisher: manager of the Leonard Stocks Centre
My name is Katy Fisher and I am the (fairly) new Manager at the Leonard Stocks Centre. I joined the team as part of Torbay Council in March this year and I cannot even begin to tell you how fast those 7 months have gone, but like they say, time flies when you’re having fun.
Prior to joining the Hostel team I ran a Domestic Abuse service in Plymouth for just over 13 years. This consisted of managing a team of 23 staff and running a high risk Domestic Abuse outreach service, 17 safe houses and an 11 bedded Refuge. I absolutely loved this job but it was time for a change and a new challenge – and its safe to say the hostel has definitely given me that!
My thoughts 7 months in…. I couldn’t be happier and truly believe that I am meant to be here doing this work. The hostel is the most amazing service, it literally saves lives and we are here for people when they need us the most. When they’ve been turned away by everyone else and they lose hope that life just wont change for them – we can make that change and show them things can be different.
There have been a number of changes in the hostel recently, for example we now run a lunch club every Friday and a Sunday Roast club once a month – both of these kindly funded by the Friends of Factory Row. Residents now also have the opportunity to go sailing which is supported by The Disabled Sailing Association. The hostel has been freshly painted and we’ve got some new furniture in the reception area which has really brightened it up.
We’ve got lots lined up for the future and I really look forward to bringing all the plans to life and in turn improving the lives of those who have experienced street homelessness.