Author: rob

An exciting start to the year for Expert in Mind as we have welcomed some great new Experts to our excellent panel! These are:

Psychologists:

• Dr Charlotte Whiteley
• Mr Calin Alexandru Hopsitar
• Ms Atena Papatraian

Psychiatrists:

• Dr Vanessa Raymont
• Dr Jonathan Greensides

Let us tell you more…

Dr Charlotte Whiteley:

Dr Whiteley is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist specialising in adult mental health having worked in the NHS for over 10 years and in addition, has worked with domestic violence charities, as well as in the private sector. Dr Whiteley has experience as an Expert Witness Psychologist in the assessment of areas such as general mental health, personal injury, Autism, eating disorders, gender identity, anxiety and domestic violence.

Dr Whiteley works for both Legal Aid Rates and Private Rates. As a guide, her current timescale for reporting is 6 weeks from receipt of instructions. Please note timescales do vary subject to diary capacity and therefore please get in touch to discuss further if you are interested in instructing her.

To view her full CV and profile: https://devsite.xyz/experts/dr-charlotte-whiteley/

Mr Calin Alexandru Hopsitar:

Mr Hopsitar is a Clinical Psychologist who has experience in the assessment of adults and children 8 years and over. He has expertise in the assessment of areas such as cognitive functions, personality traits, psychopathology, trauma, relationship dynamics/attachment styles and parenting skills.

Mr Hopsitar works for both Legal Aid Rates and Private Rates. As a guide, his current timescale for reporting is 8-10 weeks from receipt of instructions. Please note timescales do vary subject to diary capacity and therefore please get in touch to discuss further if you are interested in instructing him.

To view his full CV and profile: https://devsite.xyz/experts/calin-alexandru-hopsitar/

Ms Atena Papatraian:

Ms Papatraian is a Consultant Forensic Psychologist who has extensive professional experience of working with clinical and forensic populations in criminal justice, inpatient and community settings. She prepares Expert Witness Reports in criminal and civil matters, childcare proceedings and family courts as well as for mental health tribunals and parole boards. She has experience of assessing a wide range of mental health problems and substance misuse co-morbidities.

Ms Papatraian works for both Legal Aid Rates and Private Rates. As a guide, her current timescale for reporting is 5-8 weeks from receipt of instructions. Please note timescales do vary subject to diary capacity and therefore please get in touch to discuss further if you are interested in instructing her.

To view her full CV and profile: https://devsite.xyz/experts/atena-papatraian/

Dr Vanessa Raymont:

Dr Raymont is a highly experienced Psychiatrist with over 25 years clinical and clinical research experience both in the UK and USA. She currently works as the Senior Researcher at Oxford and Edinburgh Universities and as a Consultant Psychiatrist in the NHS. She has been an Expert Witness as a Psychiatrist completing medico-legal reports for at least 11 years with a special interest in neuropsychological outcomes, traumatic brain injury and cognitive disorders. She is also able to prepare capacity assessments and assess for memory disorders.

Dr Raymont works for both Legal Aid Rates and Private Rates. As a guide, her current timescale for reporting is 5-6 weeks from receipt of instructions. Please note timescales do vary subject to diary capacity and therefore please get in touch to discuss further if you are interested in instructing her.

To view her full CV and profile: https://devsite.xyz/experts/dr-vanessa-raymont/

Dr Jonathan Greensides:

Dr Greensides has been a Consultant Psychiatrist for the last 17 years and has considerable experience in the assessment and management of a very broad range of psychiatric conditions. He regularly undertakes Expert Witness work in addition to his role within the NHS. His work is for the family and criminal courts, though also some personal injury work. Some of his areas of specialisms include capacity assessments, PTSD, Schizophrenia. He is also Section 12 Approved (2) of the Mental Health Act.

Dr Greensides works for both Legal Aid Rates and Private Rates. As a guide, her current timescale for reporting is 5-6 weeks from receipt of instructions. Please note timescales do vary subject to diary capacity and therefore please get in touch to discuss further if you are interested in instructing her.

To view his full CV and profile: https://devsite.xyz/experts/dr-jonathan-greensides/

Watch this space as our panel of Expert Witness Psychiatrists and Psychologists continues to grow as we carefully handpick them for their experience and reputation within their specialist field!

Expert in Mind is an award winning Expert Witness reports provider specialising in Psychiatric and Psychological reports for Courts and Tribunals Nationwide.

Due to our excellent reputation amongst solicitors/instructing parties we are receiving an increased volume of instructions from both our new and existing clients and therefore we are recruiting additional Experts to join the Expert in Mind team! Our panel is made up of over 50 Experts, many of whom we have worked with for a number of years, in the field of Psychiatry and Psychology who are picked for their expertise and reputation within their field as this is important to us! So, if you are a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Adult Psychiatrist, Adult Psychologist or a Family/Child & Adolescent Psychologist, we want to hear from you to discuss how we can make your life easier!

By joining our panel of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists, you will be working with an award winning team that is committed to excellence and to delivering a highly efficient, professional yet personal service to all our clients. We have won awards for our knowledge within the field of Mental Health as well as finalists for big awards such as Business Women of The Year, Medico-Legal Provider of the Year at the Personal Injury Awards and for our Triumph Over Adversity at the Growing Business Awards.

We work hard to achieve our company vision:

To be recognised Nationwide for our outstanding service and to be recommended as the industry’s first choice for medico-legal reports by providing a unique personal service that makes the difference to legal and medical Experts. 

And to fulfil our company values:

Professional and yet personal service, respectful, committed and positive. 

We are here to save you time, significantly reduce your admin tasks, match suitable cases with your expertise, and enjoy a positive, productive working relationship with you. We get to know all our Experts and the ways in which they prefer to work. Each Expert has a personal case manager who will be fully conversant with all your cases meaning you never have to explain a situation to an unfamiliar member of the team. Your designated case manager will ensure the smooth running of your medico-legal caseload. We also offer further support to all our Experts on the panel such as supervision and more!

Many of our Experts continue to be so delighted with our service that they have given us the responsibility of managing their entire diary.  The Expert in Mind team love what they do and believe that any Expert’s precious time should be spent doing what they love to.

Here is what some of our clients say:

“As ever the excellent quality of the reports combined with the efficient and helpful provision of information and those reports in a timely manner have been of enormous assistance of the case management of our work. I would have no hesitation in continuing to use Expert in Mind in the future and would recommend both the Experts and service to colleagues and other firms. ”

Peter Harris, Harris Temperley LLP Solicitors

“As a solicitor in the legal field, it is important to have access to medical Experts who can provide medico legal reports on short notice under Legal Aid rates. I have been instructing Expert in Mind now for many years. They are fast, efficient, have a wide range of Experts and the reports prepared are always to a professional standard. The staff are both friendly and always respond to any query efficiently. I would highly recommend them. ”

Kam Dhanjal, JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors

To find out more call us now on 01424 444130 or alternatively head to the join our panel page using the link below where you can make an enquiry and book a meeting with our Business Manager, Sophie:

Join our panel

The Expert in Mind team are professional, respectful, committed and positive in all that they do. Throughout 2021, we were lucky enough and extremely proud to have our hard work, growth and dedication to the Expert Witness industry recognised through being made finalists and winners of various awards. The level of competition was exceptional making it an even bigger achievement to have been recognised across 3 separate awards!

The first award we won was in the Lawyer Monthly 2021 Expert Witness Awards which was awarded to Company Director and Owner, Zofia Ludwig, for her knowledge within the area of Mental Health. Zofia began her career in the medico-legal world working in the Expert Witness department of The Priory Hospital in East Sussex back in 2005. It was from here that she started her own company and having forged excellent working relationships with all the Experts, Zofia was asked to take over the panel when the Priory decided that they were unfortunately closing their Expert Witness Department. The panel has since expanded and continues to recruit reputable Experts selected for their experience in the field of mental health. Zofia is incredibly proud to have won this award again as she champions having specialised knowledge for the benefit of all.

Later on in 2021,  Expert in Mind was selected as a finalist for Medico Legal Provider of the Year at the 2021 Personal Injury Awards. This was a big category with 8 companies shortlisted. We are committed to helping those who have suffered injury through life changing accidents or medical negligence and have been finalists for this prestigious award previously. It is also for this reason that at the start of 2020, we partnered with Combat Stress – the UK’s leading charity for Veterans’ Mental Health who help former service personnel deal with trauma-related Mental Health problems such as anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress-disorder (PTSD). Working in the Mental Health industry, the team see first hand how difficult it is for those who deal with illnesses like these on a daily basis.  This charity raises money for those who have served for our country, and their families, to access the help they need. Throughout 2021, we hosted a BBQ in support of Armed Forces Day and Zofia, Company Director, ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for this charity. We also attended their Charity Dinner. In 2022, members of the Expert in Mind team are putting on their running shoes again to raise more vital funds for Combat Stress.

We take great pride in the work we do and believe the feedback from our clients speak volumes for this:

“Both myself and my team of clinical negligence practitioners have used Expert in Mind for a number of years. We have always been impressed by the professional and knowledgeable administrative team who are always there on hand to make suggestions and ensure that reports are received as quickly as possible. They have a wealth of experts who are extremely experienced in their relevant field who provide clear and concise reports. I would not hesitate to recommend Expert in Mind to other practitioners.” – Girlings Solicitors

Last but not least, we attended the 2021 Growing Business Awards as we were finalists for the Triumph Over Adversity category. As for many, COVID-19 meant that we faced many challenges as a company and an industry. Despite this, Expert in Mind continued it’s year on year growth. The team worked from home for many months and although we were apart, we ensured that we continued to work together as a strong team. We had three new recruits who were due to start with us just as each of the lockdowns were implemented.  Determined to work round the restrictions, we trained them via Zoom with the help of screen sharing and a totally revamped training manual. Due to increased staff numbers we had to move to larger premises and managed to find a brand-new office and moved in April 2021 where the team and company continue to thrive.

Watch this space and follow us on LinkedIn using the link below for what 2022 has in store for the Expert in Mind team!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/expert-in-mind-limited 

Many find it confusing to know the differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist and which one to instruct as an expert witness. Here we seek to explain the differences and offer some examples of cases that would require one or the other.

A psychiatrist is qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. Having a medical degree alongside advanced qualifications and specialty in psychiatry.  They use talk therapy, medications, and other treatments to treat mental health conditions. Of over 200 mental illnesses, psychiatrists are able to distinguish their particular manifestations and provide the necessary medical care to support the health and wellbeing of their patients. Dealing with vulnerable individuals, the profound knowledge and clinical experience of a psychiatrist expert witness can be essential for fair trial. For example, if an incorrect diagnosis has been given, or missed entirely, it can be extremely detrimental to a solicitor’s client going into court proceedings since the court cannot make an informed judgement. If necessary, the psychiatry expert witness can assess the individual’s ability to understand and participate in the court proceedings and may be required to produce a Litigation Capacity report as a result. In a criminal defence case, the psychiatrist can give their expert medical opinion with regards to the necessary medical care of the accused. This can include giving their opinion on where the defendant should carry out their sentence – in a conventional prison or psychiatric hospital for instance.

A psychologist has an advanced degree such as a PhD or PsyD. Most commonly they use talk therapy to treat mental health conditions. They may also act as consultants alongside other healthcare providers or provide therapy for entire treatments. A psychologist expert witness can be appointed in a vast range of cases. For example, in a criminal defence case, an in-depth psychological assessment may enable the psychologist expert witness to understand what motivated the criminal activity and whether the defendant’s actions were as a result of a mental health or behavioural problem, rather than with the intent to cause harm. In a divorce case, the appointed psychologist expert witness may be required to assess the parents to determine their suitability to provide the necessary care for the children. In personal injury cases, psychologists assess a broad range of severe and catastrophic harm to the individual. They will not only differentiate between traumatic events and complex or developmental trauma, but also consider the social and family factors which may contribute to the severity of symptoms. This holistic view makes psychologists well-placed to diagnose the repercussions of a traumatic incident and offer a comprehensive overview of predictable outcomes. Conversely, psychiatry is better able to recommend and assess the effectiveness of medical interventions.

There are times when instructions will require both professions to report. For instance, if a solicitor asks for a cognitive assessment as well as an opinion on their client’s Fitness to Plead. Psychiatrists are not trained to undertake psychometric assessments so a psychologist would need to undertake this first so that the psychiatrist can use it to inform their Fitness to Plead assessment. Fitness to Plead assessments are required to be performed by professionals that are approved under section 12(2) of the Mental Health Act 1983 which does not usually include psychologists. It is often helpful to have the additional report and view of another professional from a different mental health discipline (e.g., psychiatry) but it is rarely essential, unless specific issues are raised that dictate it e.g., a medication review.

Both clinical psychology and psychiatry are sciences, using evidence-based research to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. An important and usually misunderstood fact is that both professions diagnose mental health problems by engaging scientific, evidence-based assessment tools. But psychologists can also use ‘formulation’ to establish the cause and factors influencing mental health problems, rather than classifying people by disorders.

Psychiatrists often have a more stringent and scientific reporting style. This clear and concise presentation is often viewed as useful for the Courts. Psychology, on the other hand, spans the gap between social and biological sciences. Psychologists report on the multiple factors influencing mental health problems, basing their understanding of the disorder on childhood experiences and family influences. Consequently, their reporting style can be lengthier and cover more areas that affect the individual’s difficulties. Psychologists often recommend mixed-model interventions, responding to multiple presenting problems which can deliver beyond pure therapy or medication treatment options.

Within their individual disciplines, psychiatrists and psychologists will have a particular focus in their clinical careers. It is crucial that when an expert witness is chosen their expertise is relevant to the case. For example, a case involving minors will require a child psychologist expert witness rather than an adult psychologist who is a substance abuse specialist. If the knowledge and experience of the expert witness is not deemed relevant enough you risk their conclusions being challenged or dismissed.

In less than two months, our amazing Company Director Zofia will be running in the London Landmark Half Marathon in support of Combat Stress: The Veterans’ Mental Health Charity.

This central London closed road run is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and City of Westminster. The race starts by The Strand, finishes by Downing Street, and has fabulous views of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London, and the London Eye. This year’s marathon will be re-themed to celebrate the grand, quirky, and hidden landmark moments of 2020, shining a light on how we are coming together as a nation during the Covid-19 pandemic. With over 14,000 runners and brilliant performers, volunteers, and community groups to entertain and support them along the way, it will surely be a great day.

As Zofia trains and builds up her distances in preparation, here’s what she had to say:

“Believe me, running does not come easily to me.  However, I do love a challenge, a goal, and raising money for a worthy cause.  I am passionate about Combat Stress for several reasons; my Polish father was in a labour camp in Siberia during World War II, and I have some very good friends who are ex-special forces.  Via them, and through my work in mental health, I am well aware of the effects that veterans can be left with after service.  They can be life changing for them and those around them. Often, ex-servicemen and women are unaware of the help available, and any publicity we can give to this charity can only be a good thing for those who risk their lives for others’ freedom.  So, I am running this half marathon (in the August heat!) to raise money for Combat Stress.  Every little helps, and when I don’t feel like running, or training, or think I just can’t do it – I remember why I am doing it and make myself keep going!”.

Combat Stress: The Veterans’ Mental Health Charity is the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health and have been supporting veterans for over 100 years. Veterans like Rebecca, who joined the Army Reserves when she was 30, completing two tours in Afghanistan as a ward master at the Camp Bastion Hospital in her 18 years of service.

“I enjoyed my time in service, but the nature of my role in Afghanistan meant that I saw and heard some awful things. I was aware of all the incidents and casualties because they were logged on a computer system in real time; I could see everything that was happening on one screen. I was on constant high alert, but I also felt guilty because I wasn’t able to resolve everything there and then.”

Rebecca began noticing her mental health problems while she was stationed in the UK and working full-time for the Army in 2016.

“I was thinking very negatively, and I started feeling like I couldn’t cope. I felt like I couldn’t do my job properly and my state of mind had an enormous effect on my relationships.

“I decided to leave my job because I needed distance from the Army, but I stayed as a reservist with the hope of one day going back. I started lecturing part-time at my local college, thinking I’d notice a change in how I was feeling. I hadn’t yet grasped that a new job wouldn’t make my problems go away.

“I was battling with suicidal thoughts. I felt like there was no way out of what I was feeling, and I sometimes used to imagine crashing my car into a wall just to escape. Having these thoughts was terrifying, so I went to my GP for help.”

Rebecca’s doctor suggested that she get in touch with Combat Stress.

“I was quite cross when my GP first mentioned Combat Stress because I thought she was just assuming that I was suffering from PTSD because I’d been in the military. But I was scared of my thoughts and desperate, so I called the Combat Stress Helpline.”

Shortly after getting in touch with Combat Stress in 2017, Rebecca was diagnosed with complex PTSD and she started having one-to-one sessions with a member of the community mental health team.

“During my one-to-one meetings I learnt that my experiences were quite normal for someone with my condition; I wasn’t a ‘freak’ as I’d once thought. My community psychiatric nurse then suggested that I try my local Combat Stress Peer Support groups.

“I’d never talked about my experiences in a group setting before, so my initial thought was that I’d feel stupid doing it. But when I went to the first group, I saw all the other guys opening up and I instantly felt at ease.

“We’re open with each other and we’re always supportive. If I’ve had a bad day, I know I have a place to talk about it.”

At the start of 2018, Rebecca was offered a place on the six-week PTSD Intensive Treatment Programme (ITP) at Hollybush House.

“I was hesitant at first because I’d just started a new job, and it was a daunting prospect. But some of the guys in my Peer Support group who’d already done the ITP told me what to expect and made me feel comfortable with the idea.

“I completed the ITP and I’m so glad I did, because I’ve got a lot out of it. I learnt techniques to manage my mental health problems in the long-term and as a result I take better care of myself. I also think the ITP made me feel more comfortable in speaking about my experiences, and in turn I’ve been able to express myself better at the Peer Support meetings.

“I see my mental health as a glass of water: life throws things at you, and if you have nowhere to pour out your feelings, they’ll overspill and become unmanageable. The Peer Support groups give me a space to pour things out.”

This is just one example of the impact that Combat Stress: The Veterans’ Mental Health Charity has had. There are many, many more. The work they do cannot be done without the help and support of donations and fundraising. There are many different ways that you can support them; through donations, gifts in wills, playing their lottery, buying merchandise and doing a fundraising or sponsored event. As well as corporate partnerships, trusts and foundations. Every contribution helps to support the incredible work that they do.

If you would like to get involved, head over to Zofia’s Just Giving page to sponsor her for the half marathon.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/zofia-ludwig

If you want to find out more about this charity visit: https://combatstress.org.uk/

It has been estimated that between 80% and 90% of peoples’ lives are spent indoors. With most office work being conducted during the day, the opportunity of access to daylight hours is limited for many office workers. Therefore, making a great office environment even more important.

We at Expert in Mind are fortunate enough to have relocated to an amazing new, modern office located in one of Sea Change Sussex’s high quality office buildings where natural light pours through the large windows. Even better when the sun is shining!

A recent study by Alan Hedge at Cornell University showed that people that worked in an office with ample natural daylight reported an 84 percent drop in headaches, blurred vision and eyestrain. As well as less drowsiness and greater energy, relaxation and happiness at work.

“The study found that optimizing the amount of natural light in an office significantly improves health and wellness among workers, leading to gains in productivity,” said Hedge. “As companies increasingly look to empower their employees to work better and be healthier, it is clear that placing them in office spaces with optimal natural light should be one of their first considerations.”

As an added bonus, more natural light means less need for artificial light, meaning that energy costs and carbon footprint are reduced. The new office really is win-win!!

Our beautiful, shiny new office has huge windows that span the length of one wall. Giving us not only access to huge amounts of natural light but the most amazing views over the Countryside Park, with its rolling hills, shades of green and the pops of yellow coming from the rapeseed fields.

Attention Restoration Theory suggests that looking at nature can make the brain switch to a different mode of processing. In the study, brain scans were studied of people that were randomly assigned to look at pictures of a green meadow or a concrete roof for 40 seconds. Even just a fleeting glimpse of nature was enough for the brain to move into a more relaxed mode. Participants were also measured on their attention following viewing the images and those who had seen the meadow performed significantly better, making less mistakes and getting less distracted. The effects of nature on our productivity and wellbeing seem almost endless.

In addition to this, a widely cited study by Ulrich suggested that post-operative hospital patients who had a view of nature recovered faster and required less pain medication than those that did not have a nature view. Signifying that the view from the window may be as important (if not more so) than daylight alone. We are extremely lucky to have both!

We overlook the Combe Valley Countryside Park, 1,480 acres of land spanning between Bexhill and Hastings. Bursting with wildlife, there have been 2,456 species recorded, including several rarities. The Countryside Park is rife with pathways, cycle paths and bridal paths. Giving us a great opportunity to get out into nature on our lunch breaks, weather permitting of course!

Nature isn’t just on the outside either, with plants being brought in to decorate and help lessen any echo from the large open space that we now inhabit. However, looking nice and absorbing sound are not the only benefits to having plants in the office.

A study conducted by the University of Technology, Sydney, noted significant reductions in stress amongst workers when plants were introduced to the workspace. Including a 58% drop in depression, 44% drop in anger and tension and a 38% fall in fatigue. Not just that, but it was reported by the University of Exeter, that employees’ productivity rises by 15% with just the addition of a few houseplants in the workspace.

So not only will they reduce noise, clean the air, calm and refresh the team but productivity and wellbeing should be improved. Who knew we could get quite so much from just popping some plants around the office?!

With all this in mind, we really are set up to excel in our new workspace and we cannot wait to see just how much our productivity soars in this amazing setting!

A few weeks ago Expert in Mind Business Manager, Sophie, challanged the team to take part in the #SEE10DO10CHALLANGE. Created by the charity Combat Stress, the #SEE10DO10CHALLANGE is a creative way to promote maintaining a healthy body, healthy mind and a perfect opportunity to reach out to someone when you pass on the challenge.

Sophie completed her challange (video can be viewed here) and tasked the Expert in Mind team to also take part and pass the challange on. Check out the teams progess so far as they accept the challenge and post their videos to keep the #SEE10DO10CHALLANGE going!

Company Director, Zofia:

Accounts Manager, Lucy:

Accounts Assistant, Jillian:

Like the rest of the world, COVID-19 has changed the way everyone works and lives. With countless teams on furlough, many working remotely and strong social distancing guidelines in place, it’s safe to say working in the office may never be the same again and our lives are currently very different to the one we knew.

The Expert in Mind team like most have now been working remotely for a couple of months, though does anyone truly understand how their teams feel about working from home and how they feel their lives have changed… we decided to find out.

With five simple questions, we asked our teams how life has changed, if they have taken up any new hobbies, how they find working from home, what they miss most about the office and what they are looking forward to most when life returns to normal.

Zofia, Company Director

How has life changed; Have you taken up any new hobbies?

Life changed immeasurably when lockdown started.  But, it’s amazing how quickly you adjust to new situations.  Now, staying at home is the norm.  It’s like being in a bubble of safety.  I have probably spoken a lot more to friends that live in different countries as video chat has now become normal, along with virtual quizzes, virtual put nights.  The time at home has allowed more quality time with friends, although not in person, but the next best thing.  I have become a keen gardener! Being at home means you notice growth and change in the garden more than ever before and I am now taking great pride in growing vegetables and flowers!

How do you find working from home?  What do you miss most about the office?

To start with it was exceedingly difficult to adjust.  Going from being in an office full of people with the buzz around you, to solitary working was a shock to the system.  However, now it seems normal and my days are incredibly productive as a whole.  I miss the team though and the banter of the office.

What are you looking forward to most once life returns to ‘normal’?

I am looking forward to having events to look forward to in the diary.  It’s very strange nowadays to have blank weeks ahead with no social events or outings.  Although this year has created different kinds of memories, I prefer the happy ones with friends enjoying adventures!  I also cannot wait not to have to think about being distanced from people.  I will appreciate a hug more than I ever thought I could!

Sophie, Business Manager

How has life changed; Have you taken up any new hobbies?

Life has changed drastically and at times, it has been difficult. I’ve converted my spare room into an office and am now working from home. I’ve gone from seeing key family members regularly to now seeing my grandparents through a window and virtually quizzing weekly with friends! Times like these make you appreciate the smaller things in life and those around you that little bit more.

It’s safe to say lockdown and the pandemic has made me more active. I’ve explored the new area I recently moved to and have been on many walks in the countryside around us. As well as this, I’ve regularly started playing tennis!

How do you find working from home?  What do you miss most about the office?

Working from home has been quite different to the environment I was used to. The first week or so was the hardest as we adjusted as to begin with I was on my own all day rather than in an open plan office with not only colleagues, but those I see as friends! Albeit I’ve quickly adjusted to my new environment and what has become the new normal for now. I spend far less time commuting now and have started to use that time to enjoy the sunshine and get more active! The one thing I miss most will always be my team and the high spirit of the office.

What are you looking forward to most once life returns to ‘normal’?

I was due to get married in September but unfortunately, we are about to postpone this until next year so this is probably the biggest thing I’m excited for! It’s also those little things like being able to see friends and family properly and being able to shop normally.

Lucy, Accounts Manager

How has life changed; Have you taken up any new hobbies?

I cannot say that my life has particularly changed hobby wise – I’ve certainly baked more than usual and tried out new recipes but other than that my time is typically spent the same minus the socialising. We still get out to do the dog walks and are lucky enough to have a garden to be able to enjoy and potter around in too. But I am certainly enjoying having lunch being made for me every day by my husband! He might have to keep that one up when we go back to ‘normal’!

How do you find working from home?  What do you miss most about the office?

I find working from home ideal from the point that the commute to my dining table is very quick and there are less distractions which means I can focus on the task at hand easier. However, the distractions are what makes the workday memorable! I’ve got to say I miss Lexie (the bosses’ dog) giving me her toothy grin in the mornings and asking for bum rubs, and of course not forgetting her late afternoon excitement when it’s nearly home time! There is also the fun we have within the office itself with everyone’s unique, and somewhat amusing personalities.

What are you looking forward to most once life returns to ‘normal’?

I’m most looking forwards to being able to see friends and family again! We have gone from socialising every single week to suddenly nothing (other than talking on the phone and occasional Zoom catchups!). We’re also looking forwards to being able to rearrange holidays that we had to cancel recently and finish doing up the house.

Shyann, Case Manager

How has life changed; Have you taken up any new hobbies?

As an avid gym goer who would normally go around 5-6 times a week, I have done little to no exercise in around 5 weeks. This has impacted my natural motivation and my ‘me’ time massively. I wish I could say I have taken up a new hobby, unless you class being addicted to you Nintendo switch as one?

How do you find working from home?  What do you miss most about the office?

I feel like I have now adapted to working from home quite nicely, it’s great to have the opportunity to get really in the zone without any distractions.  However, I do miss the offices day to day morale and everyone’s upbeat spirit.

What are you looking forward to most once life returns to ‘normal’?

Going to the GYM and 100% going to the coffee shop.

Jillian, Accounts Assistant

How has life changed; Have you taken up any new hobbies?

Life in general has become more isolated and segregated.  The mere fact that you have to social distance and avoid contact with your loved ones is quite drastic to say the least especially for us S.African’s who enjoy the company of others, and family get togethers and socials are regular occurrences. Not being able to kiss or hug family & friends is almost torturous in a way, because it seems so unnatural when the act of touching someone comes naturally to us.  Yes, we are a rather “touchy feely” bunch. For as new hobbies, I can’t say that I have taken up new hobbies, simply because I don’t have the extra time, but can say that a few home improvements have been done both inside and outside the home. I can also attest to using social media more to stay in touch with people, which is something I seldom did… I always preferred to spend time with them in person.

How do you find working from home?  What do you miss most about the office?

Working from home I’m sure benefits those with young children and pets but me personally, I prefer the structure of going into the office daily.  It gives me purpose and the time away from the small irritations of family life & people walking into your “workspace” and disrupting you.  Let’s not even mention the Wi-Fi challenges you have with working at home…. I can’t say that my internet provider and I are on talking terms any longer, but locked into a contract for another year still.

When I was working from home, I found it pleasant to spend my lunch time in the garden sunning myself and having a chilled lunch with my husband and the conversation was relaxed and productive.  That’s the bit that I miss along with the symphony of birds singing in the trees.

What are you looking forward to most once life returns to ‘normal’?

What I miss mostly about the office is the comradery, teamwork, and the hype when things are running like a well-oiled machine.  I miss everyone’s faces and their weird and endearing quirks and let’s not forget the banter.  I miss being able to deal with issues almost instantaneously because the person is in the office with you.  Yeah!  I’ll be glad when this is all over and feeling of isolation and separation is done and people can come together again.

Felix, Office Administrator

How has life changed; Have you taken up any new hobbies?

It’s the same, except food shopping is a bit more of a pain. I’m saving loads of money, though.

How do you find working from home?  What do you miss most about the office?

It’s great. I don’t have to travel, and I can do everything I’d do in the office at home. The only downside is that we don’t have the normal phone system. Also, I’m eating less cake now.

What are you looking forward to most once life returns to ‘normal’?

Being able to clear my throat in public without looks of horror.

Star, Office Administrator / Trainee Case Manager

How has life changed; Have you taken up any new hobbies?

I usually spend a lot of my time travelling in England and other countries, going to a lot of dnb music events which I have been unable to do and cannot wait to get back to. I have recently taken up Yoga, I used to do Gymnastics so I am shocked it has taken me this long to get into it – thank you Coronavirus.

How do you find working from home?  What do you miss most about the office?

Working from home is not as bad as I expected it to be, I am enjoying not having to get the train and walk to work although I do miss the smell of nature. The thing I miss the most about being in the office is the laughter with my colleagues, and the need to get dressed in the morning.

What are you looking forward to most once life returns to ‘normal’?

The thing I am looking forward the most is going to Windsor and seeing my boyfriend, going to music events with my friends and the beer garden in my favourite pubs.