Community Advice Team

Justine Cammiss-Strudwick – Services Development Manager
I started to work for REACH in May 2019.  I have always been interested in the work that REACH does and I knew that I wanted to get involved. 

I have lived in and around Haverhill all of my life, as did previous generations in my family.  They were actively involved in the Community life and it is something that I wanted to continue, so REACH’s focus of the local community fitted perfectly. 

I began as a Community Outreach Advisor and enjoyed every moment.  Then the opportunity of the Client Relationship Manager arose, which I was lucky enough to be offered.  This role has allowed me to use the skills and training that I developed in my previous role, as a Team Leader working for a company that supported people with Learning Disabilities, Autism, and physical disability.   I worked in various roles within this company throughout the 15 years that I was there, each time, enabling me to grow and develop in my interpersonal skills as well as my vocational qualifications too. 

In February 2014 I was awarded HABC Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QCF) and in December 2018 I was awarded a City and Guilds Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services- Adults’ Management.  In 2008, I achieved a BA Honours in a Health And Social Care Degree through the Open University.  As part of the degree I gained experience working in Highpoint Prison with the Ormiston Trust and in the Child Protection Social Care Team- both giving in invaluable opportunities and learning.  These are to name just a few of the work opportunities that I have had; every opportunity, enables me to learn from people who are suffering from their own demons and struggling with their mental ill health - and for that, I thank them all.

Whilst working at REACH, I have completed the CMA Debt Advice Training Level 1, 2 and 3- meaning that I am a qualified, registered Debt Advisor.  I have also completed more vocational training more relevant to the people that REACH support. 

My family and my heritage are very important to me, hence why my surname is double-barrelled!  I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends; I enjoy ‘homemaking’ although I never seem to be able to finish this task.  I’m sure this is partly due to having a husband and 2 beautiful children, who I adore.  I enjoy being outdoors, I don’t mind where I am or what I’m doing but being in the fresh air does help to ‘blow the cobwebs away’.  I am optimistic and try to see the positives in situations.  I like to see the good in people and acknowledge their achievements.  An achievement for a person does not have to be a qualification or something of this ilk, it can be a simple thing like getting up early, for example; if it’s an accomplishment for them, it’s worth honouring.  I am an approachable, friendly, honest person and always try to look on the bright side of life.  It is important for me to focus on what I have and treasure the here and now and I appreciate this every day.