Marie Orrell wishes the Whitechapel Centre a happy birthday and remembers with fondness her experience of the charity.
“In the mid 80s I qualified as a probation officer and for six years I was based at the Whitechapel Centre for one day a week. It was easier for Everton based clients to attend there rather than the office in Walton and then Anfield. The Whitechapel environment helped to put people at ease - you could offer someone a cup of tea - unlike a standard probation office - and I believe people were able to form more trusting relationships with probation staff. Also, you could signpost people to services such as benefits and housing advice on site. “The whole experience was integral to my career. I realised how vulnerable people were to homelessness, even when they were working, and how addiction blights lives. It developed my knowledge, skills and empathy. Maureen McCarthy was the senior manager and was a real trailblazer. In time we ran groups in the upstairs room. I learned so much about working with people as well having many hilarious moments!”
