Jeff

Jeff joined our team as a Housing Worker in December 2021.

Originally from County Durham, Jeff, whose Dad was in the RAF, has many memories of moving around. He recalls living in Ireland, Singapore, Malta, and Scotland before eventually settling in Doncaster.

When asked what his first job was Jeff replied:

“Back in 1982, when I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, a school Careers Advisor suggested that a job in a bank might be a good idea. He set up an interview for me and I got the job. The guy basically plucked a career for me out of thin air. My life could have been so different if he suggested I join a circus!”

Jeff tells us he didn’t particularly like the job, but he stayed for the next 39 years until he was able to take early retirement. After initially having a few months off from working, Jeff came across the job advert for Housing Worker at YMCA Doncaster.

“The role looked interesting and I wanted to do something completely different after a lifetime in Financial Services. I think I’ve hit the jackpot with this new role. I now feel that I’ve got a ‘proper job’ and strangely look forward to going to work for the first time in my life.”

Jeff has settled into the role of Housing Worker and the YMCA Doncaster team very well.

“The staff team is amazing and the same goes for the young people that we work with. I’m proud to tell people that I work for the YMCA.”

Outside of work, Jeff’s passion is football, although he tells us that he hasn’t had much luck in actually getting to see a match:

“I’ve been to several football matches abroad and never see the actual games for various reasons. Lots of things have got in the way – everything from a frozen pitch in Moscow to a ferry abandoning its journey to Sweden. I should probably write a book: ‘Football matches I’ve never seen’.

If you’d like to join us in our efforts to have a positive impact on the vulnerable young people of Doncaster, then take a look at our current vacancies!