Let Us Introduce You to Sally Merriman- our new Extended Hours Officer

My name is Sally, and I am delighted to have recently joined the Oxygen department at The Brightwell.  

I will be running the new evening and weekend oxygen sessions that we are rolling out over the next few months. We already have two later sessions on a Monday and a Tuesday at 5.30 pm, which are proving very popular.

My previous job was at Bristol Zoo Gardens from 2003-2015, working in the gift shop.

Since 2015, I have been a full-time carer for my son, who has had some serious health issues.

He is now much better, and at the start of this year I decided I wanted to get back into paid work.

I was very fortunate to come to The Brightwell through a work placement organised by a Charity called Women’s Work Lab, which helps women back into work.

I had an amazing time primarily with the fabulous fundraising team, but also across all the departments. After my placement ended, I became a volunteer and then applied for the role of extended hours officer in the oxygen department.

I have been through an extensive training programme, including the Oxygen Therapy training, plus internal and external programmes for Manual Handling, First Aid, Fire Officer cover, and Cliniko, which is our new booking system.

I have been very supported by all the team here and especially by Angela and the other Oxygen Volunteers.

I feel very lucky to be able to work here. I have loved every second so far, especially meeting all our fantastic members.

Please come and say hello next time you are in the Centre.

Watch this space for more news of additional sessions!

Best Wishes

Sally