Staff profiles
Anthony Russell, Acting Deputy Manager, MST Camberwell
Tell us about yourself
I was born in Nottingham (where my Mum still lives) and brought up in Leicester. I have lived in London for a number of years. In my free team I like sleeping, socialising, travelling and going to the gym - but not all at the same time. I joined MHP in 2005.
What do you do in your position at MHP?
I work at the MST scheme in Camberwell, south London. It is a supported accommodation scheme for people with mental health diagnoses. Our service users are referred to us by the High Support Forensic Team within SLaM (South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust).
I line manage support workers and support time recovery workers. My role also includes managing the scheme in the absence of the service manager. It’s quite a busy scheme to say the least, but it’s great when I get the time to have a laugh and joke in the office and with our service users.
And why did you choose to work for MHP?
I was intrigued by MHP’s beginnings of housing West Indians in the 50s. My parents came to the UK from Jamaica in the 50s and I recall the stories of the discrimination they faced. I’m happy to be supporting West Indians and other disadvantaged groups so it’s me giving something back.
Where did you work before?
I’ve worked as a butcher, a chef and in retail. In north London, I worked for Carr-Gomm for five years and the Patchwork Community Housing Association.
Why did you join the charitable housing sector?
I started working as a classroom assistant at a Hackney school for children with severe learning difficulties, which was very emotionally draining. I also wanted to do community support work with vulnerable adults.
What changes have you made at MHP?
I’m a team player so couldn’t possibly claim anything for myself. I feel that the team here have worked hard to get the praise we regularly receive from our partners.