You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
From the frontline - Tom O'Neil
St Mungo’s complex needs worker Tom O’Neil on supporting people with substance misuse issues and how he has made being a former boxer relevant to his current role
What does your job involve?
I work closely with clients in a supported hostel for people with multiple needs. I help the residents by attending appointments with them and liaising with their GPs. I also hold meetings with different services to manage risks and make sure the client’s needs are being met. My job also includes training staff and clients on substance misuse.
How did you begin working with homeless people?
I started in the field studying for and completing a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 in substance misuse. My placement was with an outreach team in Islington working with rough sleepers who weren’t engaging in treatment. My purpose in that role was to advocate for the client and help them to access services, especially supported housing. Within two years I was team leader for the main outreach team in Islington. I then went to work with a drug treatment service. While I was there I completed my NVQ Level 3 in substance misuse. Before all this I was an amateur boxer for many years and decided to volunteer at St Mungo’s. I now teach clients boxing and do some strength and conditioning work with them.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Seeing clients reach their goals. It is so rewarding to see them achieve positive outcomes.
What does a good day look like?
Getting a client who has been struggling to make health-related appointments to a hospital or doctor’s appointment to be assessed.
How about a bad one?
The death of a client.
What’s the first thing you’d do if you became prime minister?
I would ensure fathers have a legal presumption of 50/50 shared parenting after separation. I would also make the cabinet more diverse to reflect ethnic minorities and class in the UK.
What is your dream job?
It’s a very hard one: I’ve always wanted to play Hamlet at the National Theatre.
What would be your superpower and why?
I would have to choose flying. First, I could impress my two-year-old son and he’d think I was the coolest dad around.
Also, I have been flying to Italy a lot recently and it would make things a lot quicker if I could just make my own way there whenever I want.
