Need to know
For #TeamEEAST Last updated: 18 May 2024 at 11:55
This Mother’s Day we asked our mums and their children working at EEAST a few questions to know what it’s really like when a family member is also your colleague.
Sharing their story here are our EEAST mother and son, Stephanie Clark and Shaun Clark.
Please introduce yourself
I'm Steph. I'm a senior EMT now. I've been working at the Trust for just over five years.
I'm Shaun. I'm an apprentice EMT, and I've been working for the Trust for about three and a half years. I was Make Ready previously for approximately four years and about 12 months ago, I moved over to the green side.
Did your mum inspire you to join EEAST?
Shaun: Initially, yes. The role of Make Ready came up in a previous job I was in and she said it may be a really good opportunity to come over to the ambulance service and work in a supportive role. It is a bit of a family affair, but mostly from my mum.
Were you pleased that Shaun wanted to follow in your footsteps and join EEAST to?
Steph: Absolutely. Yeah, I think it's a really good job. I mean, it's difficult because he's got a one year old and he's very tired, but he's doing okay. I'm quite pleased.
What’s it like working with your mum / son?
Shaun: I have said it's been very enjoyable, actually. Yeah, I felt supported throughout the jobs we've done. Any questions I know I can turn to inside and outside of work to her for help.
Steph: So I love it. I do. He also asks loads of questions which if I don’t know, we look up, and I love it, it's like it is like I feel like I'm being tested. I really enjoy it.
Tips on getting the work/life balance as a mum?
Steph: Make sure your days off are your days off. Enjoy your family time. So you’re fresh and ready to come back to work. Definitely enjoy your days off.
What is your favourite memory of working with your mum / son?
Steph: First day we ever worked together I said to him on the way to the job, don't tell anyone I’m your mum, you’ve got to call me Steph all day long. We went into the job, within 10 minutes I went ‘this is my son!’ and then all day long, every patient, ‘this is my son’, ‘oh you must be so proud’, ‘yes this is my son.’
Shaun: Yeah going back to our first shift, we turned up at the first patient and walking through the door and I’m having to call her Steph, rather than mum
What is the hardest part about working with you mum / son?
Shaun: Not calling her mum on scene.
Steph: Not telling him off.
What would you like to say to anyone out there who would like to follow their mum’s footstep?
Shaun: Absolutely! It’s one of the best things I have ever done. Obviously I have got the support inside and out of work whenever I need it. And honestly it does feel like working with your best friend sometimes, because you know each other and get on so well.
What would you like to say to your mum this Mother’s Day?
Shaun: Thanks for the memories, Happy Mother's Day.
Steph: Aww, I hope you're going to cook my dinner.
To all those being celebrated this weekend we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day. We understand that this time of year can be difficult for some and would like to remind you of the wellbeing services available to staff.
Published 19th March 2023