Leeds GATE in Lockdown - Professionalism, Compassion, Integrity.

Leeds GATE Advocacy Worker, Jacopo Roncone, joined the organisation in January 2020. Orginally from Northern Italy, when not working for Leeds GATE, Jacopo enjoys being with trees and nature.

When asked to write a blog regarding Leeds GATE and the current lockdown the first feelings I experienced were doubt and apprehension; faced with new and uncommon scenarios, confusion and anxiety could be around the corner. I then stopped and thought: “just summarise with a few words how you would describe your colleagues and what happened in the recent weeks”. Here they are: professionalism, compassion and integrity.

So here below I try to give you some examples of why each one of my colleagues perfectly represents the above values and how this makes Leeds GATE an exceptional charity for its members and staff.

Leeds GATE adapted to the lockdown swiftly and efficiently before the government guidelines came into place as we started working from home earlier than other organisations. The decision taken from the management team (MT) addressed both doubts and worries of the staff and what was happening outside the UK. News was coming in from other countries and members started worrying about what could happen here. The MT quickly reviewed logistical and practical matters and we found ourselves equipped and supported ready to work from home. We all welcomed the decision and trusted each other to be able to carry on as efficiently as possible, a clear example of professionalism.

Currently, when asked how I am, my usual reply is: “ups and downs”. This state of mind is in complete antithesis with the famous motto “Keep Calm and Carry On”, which I usually find patronising and disempowering. Instead, what I find very important, it is to be able to find support when in need. Leeds GATE never expects its members and staff to be “calm” but instead recognises different needs and struggles and has put in place mechanisms to prevent stress and burn-out. Video conferences, online chats and online apps are not only used for the delivery of the services, but are proactively employed to preserve and improve people’s wellbeing. For instance, staff and members are encouraged to stay in contact and share information informally as to maintain a sense of team and connection. Online meetings start earlier to be able to have a chat before office hours, people “meet up” before the weekend to say goodbye, and chats are used to share jokes and entertain each other. This flexible and understanding approach is a perfect example of compassion and humanity. My colleagues show compassion in their everyday practice. During these tough times, I have never heard anyone saying “stay calm” but, instead, it is common to hear “how are you?”.

We all are experiencing how the government guidelines are restrictive. Leeds GATE is anyway providing the same essential services by abiding to its core values (https://www.leedsgate.co.uk/our-values). For example, intensive advocacy and liaison work has made sure that roadside families have access to showers, and some leisure centres are open for them to be used. Evictions have been put on hold and some councils are adopting a less assertive and punitive approach. Members are still supported with homework tasks, and community activities and their welfare is regularly monitored and supported. Info and videos are frequently posted with guidelines on services and useful techniques on how to cope with the current times. The care of post service is still active and members are still able to get in touch for their advocate needs and mental health support. Funding streams and new projects are explored and planned, and everything is neatly administered with efficient and open communication. In such unstable times, Leeds GATE is managing to remain an essential service for its members, and its staff is supported and clearly instructed. A clear example of passion and, above all, integrity.

I personally do not want to get back to “normality”. What I would like is to have a business model in which Leeds GATE is not an exception but rather common practice.

Jacopo Roncone; April 2020