Jess Bayliss, Health Engagement Worker and Receptionist

I have lived in Brighton for 13 years. I grew up in central London, moving to Brighton to study English and Film at Sussex. I work part time as a receptionist at Arch & part time as a massage therapist. I am very interested in persistent pain, helping people to manage their pain better, and to live well with pain. I am passionate about politics, equality, and the environment. In my time off I like to read, watch films/TV, cook, see friends, enjoy nature, and have a dance! A big part of my time when I’m not at Arch is spent learning about the body, the nervous system, pain neuroscience & pain management, and massage therapy.

I think what attracted me most to working in homeless healthcare was the opportunity to serve people who are having, or have had a very difficult time. Access to good healthcare can literally shape our lives, I was compelled to find out more about how we’re helping people here in Brighton and put my skills to good use! In my work as a massage therapist I mainly work with people who are quite affluent, this always felt slightly odd to me & working in homeless healthcare gives me balance.

As a Health Engagement Worker with Arch’s newly expanded outreach service, no two days are the same. I might be working in one of our regular clinics in day centres and other locations across the city, or I might be out on my bike, visiting patients at the accommodation or sleep sites. I check on how they’re doing, offer support with any challenges they’re facing, or I might assist in linking them up with other useful services. Working on reception, I will be seeing lots of our regular patients, sorting the practicalities of appointments and handling requests.

The best things about working for Arch are; firstly our amazing team & patients, and secondly the fact that I feel truly proud of my job when people ask me ‘what do you do?’