Before I ran a charity, I spent years working alongside patients trying to find their way through the health system. What stayed with me was how often the person in front of me had more to offer than the system was set up to notice. They had knowledge about their own lives, ideas about what would help, and a willingness to take part. Most of that went unrecorded. The forms had no box for it.

Love of ice cream! Interest in history! Respect for the voluntary sector, particularly Communities 1st, and a passion for coffee, of course, which was really why we were meeting. Just some of things, I took away from my meeting with Stella, which I felt we had in common. I found Stella to be a warm, friendly, and thoughtful person. I can also vouch that she makes an amazing cup of coffee. She has all the qualities you need for a great barista.