“When we're able to get children in the pool, they're able to hug their parents, which is very emotional and so important for families” – Lauren is passionate about the benefits of hydrotherapy at EACH
Lauren Wright always knew she wanted to work for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
It was her burning ambition after leaving university and now, nearly a decade after joining the organisation, she confirms it has more than lived up to expectations.
Lauren is a Physical Therapies Technician, which is a full-time role mainly based at The Treehouse, in Ipswich. She also spends a day a week at Milton.
Her main passion is working with children and families in the hydrotherapy pools and says there have been many magical moments.
“A big part of my role is hydrotherapy, which I've been doing for six or seven years,” said Lauren, who lives in Stowmarket.
“That’s what led me into this role.
“It's just incredible and has such benefits for the children, for so many different reasons. It really helps with their movement.
“We've got a young girl who lost the ability to walk on land last year.
“However, when she gets in the pool, she's able to take steps in the water, which is huge for her.
“Then we've got slightly older children who aren’t able to have much physical contact with their parents, because they're in wheelchairs and their movement is so restrictive.
“When we're able to get them in the pool, they're able to hug their parents, which is very emotional and so important for families.
“It’s an amazing thing to witness and experience and I consider myself very lucky to come in and do this as my job. It's a real passion of mine.”
Lauren, 30, harboured ambitions of working for EACH when she was studying at the University of East Anglia.
Her first job after graduating was working in elderly care but, after a couple of years, she secured her dream job at The Treehouse, in 2014.
She originally worked on the care floor, as a senior care assistant, before moving into her current role last year.
In addition to her great work in the pool, she also trains staff and her job includes completing audits and checking equipment.
“I came from working in elderly care, straight from university, so working here is very different but what I always wanted to do,” said Lauren.
“It was my dream and I can safely say it’s lived up to expectations.
“When I was doing my nurse training, as a student, it was considered the place to go.
“Everybody wanted to do their placements there and one day work at EACH, because it had a very good reputation.
“A decade on, I can safely say all those hopes and expectations have come true.”
Lauren says she would heartily recommend working for EACH.
“I absolutely love it here,” she said.
“I’m passionate about my job and feel very happy and settled.
“I have so many special memories and I feel privileged to be part of such a special, professional and dedicated team.
“It would be impossible to do this job without such great colleagues around me.
“Everyone is so helpful and supportive, and without hesitation, I’d recommend working for EACH.
“It’s a very special organisation and all our sessions are catered towards each individual child, in terms of what they like and enjoy.
“We’re able to make it a fun and exciting experience, because everything is centred around them, which is so special and important.”
EACH is currently recruiting for three full-time physiotherapy roles – one for its three hospices.
For more details and to apply, head here.
