At Maples, compassion and mental health advocacy shape everything we do. We’re excited to introduce Dione, known as Dee, one of our dedicated Compass Navigators. She plays a vital role in supporting service users throughout their journey with us. Let’s explore how her passion and expertise make a difference every day.
What are your passions?
“My passion is music. I’m a singer and songwriter, and I used to organise live band performances. I also love spending time with my friends and family, watching films, and diving into documentaries.
Mental health is another big passion of mine. If I don’t fully understand a service user’s condition, I research it to learn how best to support them. I also work with Postscript 360, an organisation that helps reduce the harms caused by prescription and illicit drugs.”
How did you find the Maples?
“I worked alongside Maples for over 15 years while at Bristol City Council. Many of my service users received support from them, and I saw firsthand the exceptional care they provided. I knew this was a place I wanted to be part of.
I specifically sought out a role at Maples, and fortunately, I got the job. It’s exciting to see how Julie, Jon, and Ben continue to develop and shape the services we offer. This is a bespoke service, tailored to each individual. Two people with schizophrenia won’t have identical experiences, and I love that Maples sees the person first—not just their diagnosis.”
Tell us about your role:
“My role is incredibly varied. I review placement breakdowns, conduct assessments, and support individuals who struggle to engage with services—what we call non-engagement.
If someone is having trouble settling in or isn’t paying their bills, I step in to help. I put measures in place to guide service users toward stability. Whether they need resources, advice, or encouragement, I’m here to support them in reaching their goals.”
What inspired you to work in Mental health:
“My decision to work in mental health was personal. A family member became unwell, and I wanted a deeper understanding to help them. After retiring from my previous job, I transitioned into mental health care to make a difference.
I’ve now been in this field for over 27 years. As a Social Care Practitioner, I understand both the service user and provider perspectives, which helps me offer the best support possible.
Many individuals have survived unimaginable experiences yet still struggle with trauma. They often face barriers when trying to access services. I help them see there’s something brighter on the other side, and I’ll be there to guide them toward it.”
What have you enjoyed working at Maples?
“The people. Both my colleagues and the service users make me excited to come to work every day. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of a team where leadership ensures we’re always doing right by those we support.
Working in mental health has shaped not only my career but also my personal life. Friends and family often reach out for guidance, and I’m always happy to help. At the end of the day, I’m here to serve.”
A Culture of Compassion
Dee embodies the values of empathy, dedication, and open-mindedness that define Maples. Her commitment to understanding each service user’s unique needs reflects the exceptional care we provide.
We are grateful for the passion and hard work of all our staff. Their dedication creates a nurturing environment where service users can thrive. If this sounds like a workplace where you’d excel, check out our vacancies here or reach out at [email protected].
