Each issue we profile somebody from Sheffield Mencap and Gateway, to find out more about what makes it such a varied and special place. This spring we get to know Peri, a member of our housekeeping team as well as a volunteer.

How long have you been at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway and what role/roles have you done?

I have been at Mencap since June 2025 as a cleaner so almost a year now! it’s gone so quick! I’ve also done some volunteering on our Gateway sessions.

What have you gained through working at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway?

It’s amazing to realise how much confidence working at Mencap has given me. As a cleaner in my previous jobs I was used to working alone and not really interacting with many people but being at Mencap I have to talk to our members every day and I love it! I’m so much happier working at Mencap than I was at my previous jobs, I really look forward to going into work now.

What are your goals for the next year at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway?

I plan to volunteer a lot more at Mencap when I have the time, I want to gain more experience working directly with our wonderful members and give back to this amazing charity!

Tell us your favourite story or memory from Sheffield Mencap and Gateway

I’m pretty sure that I come home from work every day with another memory that makes me smile but one of my favourites was watching certain members who are usually more reserved come alive on karaoke on a Tuesday gateway and of course the not so reserved members show off their amazing showmanship!

How do you balance work and life – what do you do to relax?

I spend as much time as I can with my friends, I love going on long walks in the peak district and I can’t go a day without listening to music.

Finally, tell us a fact about yourself that people at Sheffield Mencap and Gateway don’t know…

I have been playing the guitar since I was 12 years old and played a few gigs with the band I was in during my school years.