For Outbound Desk Specialist Jackie Porter, that person is Cath Boylan, Shift Supervisor in our Integrated Contact Centre. Cath is someone who has guided Jackie over the seven years they’ve worked together, while bonding over their shared childhood experiences growing up in the 80s. But it was when Jackie suspected she had ADHD that Cath truly took on that “work mum” role.

Jackie says, “I suspected that I had ADHD in January of 2022 and confided in Cath regarding this. Instead of just dismissing me and telling me it was just a ‘fad’ or ‘we’re all a little neurodivergent’ (all things that have happened to me), she encouraged me to seek a formal diagnosis. She referred me for an occupational health assessment.

“When I was formally diagnosed, she shared the happiness that I finally had an answer to so many questions that had plagued me throughout my life.”

Following Jackie’s diagnosis, Cath helped make adjustments to Jackie’s working environment. She also fought for Jackie to be able to use a different room for those times when she was really struggling with the noise in the call handling suite, meaning Jackie could calm down, focus, and continue working.

Sadly, Jackie and Cath no longer work directly together, but with only two months between them, they will be celebrating their 50th birthdays together this year.

Jackie says: “I think Cath needs celebrating as she has truly been in my corner and will do this for anyone who needs it. She’s a Mama Bear!”