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From the frontline - Debbie Cram
Debbie Cram, scheme services manager at Sanctuary Supported Living, talks dolphins, whales and work satisfaction.
Tell us about your job
I show prospective residents around our scheme, take them through the application process and help them move into their new homes.
I deal with queries from residents and leaseholders at the scheme, and also have a team of staff to manage and ensure the general smooth running of the service on a day-to-day basis.
How did you get into housing?
I started in sheltered housing when I ran a scheme of 40 bungalows. That role was about helping residents to remain independent in their own homes.
Over time, sheltered housing has changed and now I’m working in extra care, I still get the contact with the client group that I feel I can make a difference to.
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What’s the best thing about your job?
I love the feeling that I’m helping to make a difference. Life is so busy today and families cannot always see their older relatives if they don’t live nearby. In an extra care scheme, residents appreciate that there is someone who they can go to.
And the most challenging?
Being in two places at once. Sometimes I have a number of residents who want to speak to me at the same time – thankfully I’ve got a great team who are brilliant at supporting our residents.
What is your dream job?
A marine biologist, especially with whales and dolphins. My husband introduced me to whales on our first holiday together to the Sea of Cortez in the Gulf of California, where the grey whales have their young.
What does a good day look like?
When my workload is very full but somehow I manage to tick things off one by one. That feeling of satisfaction at the end of the day is great.
How about a bad one?
The feeling of failure; when there’s something I just don’t have the power to sort out for someone, no matter how hard I try. I go home still trying to think of what else I might be able to do tomorrow.
What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?
I think the country should be more equal in its distribution of resources and the opportunities available to people. I’d look at how that could be achieved.
What’s the most private thing you would be willing to admit to your colleagues?
I really want to go to a Barry Manilow concert. I actually had tickets to see him in Ipswich two years ago but unfortunately both my parents passed away and I was unable to go. I will get there one day
