Meet our new staff members - Christine Landess BSO North East

Tell us a bit about your work background?

After studying for a degree in psychology, I have always worked in the charity sector. I spent many years working in homeless services in London, starting out as a resettlement officer working with rough sleepers, and ending up managing hostels and support services for prolific offenders and people with addiction problems. Along the way, I was privileged to meet many fantastic and inspiring people who overcame huge challenges and adversity, and I always have the hope and belief that things can change for the better.

So, how did you come to be working at Blesma?

Before I joined Blesma I worked at RBL for eight years where I managed the Northern Outreach Team. The RBL Outreach Team provides face-to-face support to vulnerable veterans and because I am not a veteran, I had a steep learning curve. I quickly became aware that the military has a unique language that uses lots of TLAs (three letter acronyms!). In many ways the role is similar to a BSO and I very much enjoyed being out and about meeting veterans and their families.

“I am still learning the full extent of my role as a BSO - it seems huge! For me, the main focus is to make sure I am able to provide the best support and advice to Members”

What does your role entail?

I am still learning the full extent of my role as a Blesma Support Officer – it seems huge! However, for me the main focus is to make sure I am able to provide the best support and advice to Members whenever it’s needed. I also enjoy supporting and developing staff and volunteers, so I am keen to look at that too. I feel honoured to be part of Blesma, it is such a well-respected organisation. Like everyone, I am itching to get back to normal life and get out on the road to meet our Members for a cuppa and a chat.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I am fortunate to live with my family on the North Yorkshire coast and during lockdown we have been able to walk our dog on the lovely local beaches and moors. I enjoy cooking and pottering in the garden, however, my lockdown vegetable patch was not a huge success – I’ve never seen such small carrots! In normal times, I enjoy walking, art and architecture, as well as thinking about where to go next in my campervan, but most evenings you will find me on the settee watching some soothing TV.Tell us a little about yourself?I am fortunate to live with my family on the North Yorkshire coast and during lockdown we have been able to walk our dog on the lovely local beaches and moors. I enjoy cooking and pottering in the garden, however, my lockdown vegetable patch was not a huge success – I’ve never seen such small carrots! In normal times, I enjoy walking, art and architecture, as well as thinking about where to go next in my campervan, but most evenings you will find me on the settee watching some soothing TV.