Mary Hollman

Lived Experience Peer Worker apprentice, CJLD

Mary works as a Lived Experience Peer Support Worker, with CJLD while undertaking the Lived Experience Peer Worker Level 3 apprenticeship; drawing on her academic background and personal experiences to provide empathetic, person-centred support to individuals navigating mental health challenges.

After graduating with a degree in Sociology and Criminology, she was eager to enter the mental health sector but found limited opportunities for hands-on experience due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Determined to apply her knowledge in a meaningful way, she chose to pursue an apprenticeship that allowed her to develop practical skills while making a real difference. The opportunity to work close to home in a supportive, suitable environment made this role the perfect fit.

Since joining, she has become a valued and independent member of the team, confidently managing her own caseload with the full trust of her managers. Her journey reflects a strong commitment to learning and professional growth, with each day taken as a new opportunity to build confidence and competence in her role.

The support I’ve had throughout my apprenticeship has made me feel capable and confident. I’m excited to keep building on this and hopefully continue my journey with CJLD.

Mary’s thoughts on her apprenticeship

Mary has found her apprenticeship to be a valuable learning experience, although she acknowledges some challenges with the predominantly online format. She has found that virtual learning can be limiting, particularly in a role where trust and personal connection are vital—such as working with individuals recently released from custody, who may be reluctant to share sensitive information in a remote assessment setting. Despite this, Mary has deeply enjoyed the practical aspects of her role, especially the opportunity to provide direct support and build meaningful relationships through her work.

Mary speaks highly of the support she has received from her employer, describing them as incredibly encouraging and empowering. Being entrusted with her own caseload and treated as a valued team member has significantly boosted her confidence and sense of purpose. Looking ahead, Mary is hopeful to continue her work with CJLD and remains committed to developing her career within the sector. The apprenticeship has laid a strong foundation for her future, equipping her with both the skills and the confidence to grow professionally in a field she is passionate about.

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