25 years; working for asphaleia since the early days

Across 2025, we’re celebrating 25 years of asphaleia through many activities and through stories on our blog. This story features an interview with a member of staff who has worked at asphaleia almost since the beginning.  

1. How long have you worked at asphaleia and what roles have you done? 

I started with asphaleia in December 2000, when we were based in a couple of rooms in Thorn Road. I have worked in asphaleia’s finance team and I retired in December 2014, but only for 15 months, when I had a phone call inviting me to come back and do payroll. I've been here ever since. 

2. How did you end up working for asphaleia? 

I was working for a roofing company, doing the books. My boss, who was also a trustee of asphaleia’s charity, asked if I'd like a little bookkeeping job for 4 hours a week. The rest is history. 

3. What, in your view, is asphaleia all about? 

asphaleia started out caring for and housing asylum seekers from abroad. Then came fostering, training and also setting up a school for girls in Sierra Leone. asphaleia is all about training, caring and helping young people to find a place in society. 

4. Do you have any significant memories/stories from over the years? 

In the early years many of the young people would come into the office and I was able to put names to faces, and I still hear of some of them and what they are doing now. it's a good feeling to see them get on in the world after asphaleia gave them a good grounding. I remember going to London with a colleague to watch the 10K race a team of staff and supporters were doing to fundraise for asphaleia’s charity. We watched them all set off, then strolled over to the finish, and they had all got there before us. 

5. What makes asphaleia a great place to work? 

I love working with the people in the office. Many of them have been there a long time. and asphaleia has a great ethos, attitude and aspirations. 

6. How has working at asphaleia impacted you? 

I love working for a company that has a purpose – it’s given me job satisfaction.