Simone is a participant at Plus, and a well-known one at that! Known affectionately as the ‘Queen of Plus’, Simone has been an integral part of our community since its inception.
Over the years, she’s built strong connections with her fellow participants and support staff, and has become a key part of the team. Simone is part of the creative expression stream at Plus, but her strong interest in developing leadership skills has inspired her support team to tailor activities to include opportunities for growth in this area.
Simone has a talent for keeping things on track, regularly delegating tasks and coordinating the logistics of hub meetings. Her Behaviour Support Lead (Team Leader), Shelly, appreciates this skill and has actively created opportunities for Simone to refine and enhance it.
Shelly recalls some of the times that Simone has shown interest in a leadership role.
“In the past, after Sim realised that we run debrief every afternoon, she assumed the role of facilitator and would ask our support workers about their days, ensuring each person that spoke did so to her satisfaction.”
“Sim was also present when a working group was being established at Plus, and she immediately decided that she should be a part of it. That’s the kind of response we’ve come to expect from Simone,” said Shelly.
Tom, a Behaviour Support Practitioner at Plus, agrees that Simone’s leadership and directional skills are invaluable.
“Simone is really consistent when it comes to getting things done, which has been a huge help at the hub. We rely on her to keep everyone on track and make sure everything is running smoothly, especially when things need organising.
“She’s spent a lot of time working with the management teams and in the office, and she’s always wanted to be in those leadership roles. Because of this, she’s become an unofficial part of the management team. Simone runs a tight ship,” said Tom.
Simone’s organisational and logistical skills aren’t the only qualities she brings to Plus. She is known for her sense of humour, quick wit, and her excellent taste in music and fashion. She often brightens her fellow participants’ days with karaoke and colour-themed dress days.
Sophia, a key support worker on Simone’s team at Plus, shared that beyond her logistical and organisation skills, Simone is also incredibly caring.
“When Simone can see someone’s upset, or maybe it’s their birthday or something special is going on, she’ll write them a letter. Simone will tell me what she wants to say and I’ll write it down. She does drawings for others as well, and has made paper flowers for people in the past, too,” said Sophia.
It’s this person-centred approach that makes Simone such a fantastic leader at Plus.
Our community is incredibly fortunate to have her.