Flexible working at Kids Inspire: our team stories
At Kids Inspire, flexible working has become a key part of how we look after not just our clients, but ourselves too. It allows our teams to balance their professional and personal lives in ways that work best for them. It means their mental wellbeing is as supported as the children and families we help every day.
This blog shares some personal stories from our team about how flexible working has impacted them - both in their roles here at Kids Inspire and in their lives outside of work.
A perfect balance for work, family, and the individual
“Flexible working has helped me to find a balance between doing the work I love and having the time and energy to be the parent I want to be for my child. It means I have the emotional and physical capacity to support and nurture him and do all things we love to do together and tidy up afterwards!
Ultimately it leaves me feeling as though I can give what I need and want to different aspects of my life and reduces feelings of feeling stretched and overwhelmed.”
- Vicky, Therapist
“Working flexibly means I can be in control and responsible for my own diary. It also means that I can best support my clients by offering help outside of the typical 9-5 schedule. I can offer support at times that work for them, which makes such a difference.
Amy practising her circus skills
My flexible hours also mean I can prioritise my own supervision sessions during the day, like on my fortnightly Friday off, so I don’t need to use my evenings. This leaves time for my aerial circus training, which I love! And since I work extra hours during the week, I can finish a bit earlier on Fridays, to take my son to his boxing class, and actually watch him train.
Flexible working gives me the ability to take my lunch break when it suits me. Whether that’s 11am between client sessions or later in the day, it means I don’t have to rush and eat in my car between appointments. I can even work from home when offering online support after school hours, so when my work day ends, I’m already with my family.
It’s so important to me that Kids Inspire recognises our individual needs. It lets us practise the same self-care and work/life balance that we encourage in our clients. Since moving to flexible working, I’ve found my days much more manageable, starting early to clear emails and admin before my sessions begin. Having that control has made a huge difference.”
- Amy, Clinical Manager
Flexibility to support clients and family
“As a mental health charity, our clients’ needs can often vary, and flexible working has been a real lifesaver. Sometimes families can only fit in a session during the early morning or after working hours. Being able to offer these sessions without sacrificing my own work/life balance is invaluable.
What I’ve noticed is that flexible working lets me be more present, both at work and at home. On the days I’m working, I start earlier in the morning to get ahead on emails and admin before the day picks up. It’s great to know that Kids Inspire supports us in this way - it’s a culture that values both our professional and personal wellbeing.”
- Jasmine, Dramatherapist, EMDR therapist and Clinical Case Manager
Time to pursue personal passions and interests
“Flexible working means I can fully commit to my role at Kids Inspire, supporting our chief executive, Sue and the wider team, along with keeping up my interest in neurodiversity research. Following the completion of my master’s research earlier this year I’m currently working on a piece of empirical research with my supervisor on a “What works approach” for children with autism in mainstream classrooms.
Mel celebrating after her Masters graduation ceremony
I work full time compressed hours Monday through to Thursday and Fridays are my research day. I’m so grateful to Kids Inspire for allowing me to follow my passions.”
- Mel, Executive Assistant to the CEO
I work nine days in ten, having every other Wednesday off. This means every fortnight I can play golf - the sport I have enjoyed for many years. Wednesday is my local club’s Ladies Day and I can now join my friends on the course. It might only be 9 holes or the full 18, but for me golf is how I unwind. I am out in nature, exercising and socialising. It provides me with a different kind of mental challenge to my work and is my reset button.
On a professional level it has also meant I could become a Clinical Manager. I previously struggled with the pressures of a five day, nine to five but the flexibility of compressed hours means I can work early in the day, which I prefer, yet still maintain my full-time hour commitments.
- Helen, Integrative Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and Clinical Case Manager
Flexible hours for better wellbeing
“For me, flexible working has also been a game changer for my mental health. I work nine days in ten compressed hours and having that extra day off every other Friday has given me the time I need to unwind. I love my work, but as therapists, our job can be emotionally demanding. I found that two-day weekends just weren’t enough to recharge.
Now, I have that extra day every other week to catch up on chores, relax, or even make plans with friends. It’s had a huge impact on my wellbeing, and I feel so much more energised when I come back to work.
— Jasmine, Dramatherapist, EMDR therapist and Clinical Case Manager
Conclusion
These stories show first hand how flexible working benefits not only our staff, but also the clients and families we support. Just as one size of therapy does not fit all, we believe the same to be true of the members of our team. We are open to conversations with all our staff, seeing how we can manage both work and home life to find a balance that works. By giving our team the freedom to manage their time and balance their lives, we’re creating a healthier, more supportive environment for everyone.
Flexible working allows us to practise what we preach - taking care of our own mental wellbeing while continuing to provide vital support to the children and families who rely on us.