Gemma Harper – A Day in the Life of a THRIVE Case Worker

November 2, 2026

For Gemma Harper, Case Worker at Target Housing’s THRIVE project, no two days are ever the same. From supporting people with their physical and mental health to helping them maintain their homes and rebuild their confidence, Gemma’s role is as varied as the individuals she supports.

Having worked at Target Housing for two years, Gemma has gained experience across different services, including the Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) project in Sheffield, before moving into her current role at THRIVE.

Today, she supports eight individuals, each with their own needs, experiences and personal challenges. Her working day is shaped entirely by those needs, which can change from one day to the next.

What is THRIVE?

THRIVE is one of Target Housing’s specialist projects, providing permanent accommodation and lifelong support to vulnerable individuals who have experienced significant challenges throughout their lives.

Many of the people supported by THRIVE have experienced homelessness, insecure accommodation, mental health difficulties, substance misuse or long-term physical health conditions. Some have also faced involvement with the criminal justice system or exclusion from other services.

What makes THRIVE different is its approach.

Rather than expecting individuals to make dramatic changes to their lives, the project focuses on helping them achieve stability, improve their quality of life and build positive relationships.

Those accessing the service become members of THRIVE for life, with support tailored to their changing circumstances. This can include accessing healthcare and specialist services, maintaining a tenancy, developing independence and reconnecting with interests, hobbies and activities that bring enjoyment and purpose.

It’s an approach centred on understanding the individual, building trust and recognising that progress looks different for everyone.

Starting the Day

For Gemma, the working day typically begins in the office.

Before heading out to visit the people she supports, there’s often a range of administrative tasks to complete, from responding to emails and making telephone calls to contacting external agencies and arranging appointments.

These tasks are an important part of ensuring individuals receive the right support at the right time.

With a caseload of eight people, Gemma must balance planned appointments and visits with any new concerns or issues that arise throughout the day.

Her responsibilities can include accompanying individuals to hospital and healthcare appointments, arranging and collecting prescriptions, liaising with pharmacies, accessing food banks, completing property checks and supporting people to maintain their tenancies.

Risk assessments, safeguarding and communication with other professionals also form an important part of the role.

But alongside these practical responsibilities is something equally valuable: taking the time to check in, listen and understand how someone is feeling.

A Visit to Chris – The Importance of Everyday Support

One of Gemma’s visits during the day was to see Chris, a THRIVE member.

Although the visit was relatively brief, it highlighted just how many different aspects of someone’s wellbeing a Case Worker may need to consider.

Gemma checked in with Chris about his mental health and how he was feeling, while also helping to organise an appointment for wound care.

She took the opportunity to remind him about an upcoming optician’s appointment, helping ensure he was aware of the arrangements and could access the healthcare he needed.

And, as it happened to be his birthday, there was also time to wish him a happy birthday.

It’s a small gesture, but one that reflects the personal nature of the support THRIVE provides.

For individuals who may have experienced years of instability or difficulties engaging with services, having someone who consistently checks in, remembers important details and takes an interest in their wellbeing can make a meaningful difference.

Spending Time with Louise – More Than Practical Support

Another visit took Gemma to see Louise, where the focus was slightly different.

While checking in on Louise’s mental health and general wellbeing was an important part of the visit, Gemma also spent time chatting with her and offering advice and reassurance as they worked on Halloween crafts.

It was a relaxed, everyday activity, but one that demonstrated another important aspect of THRIVE’s approach.

Supporting someone’s wellbeing isn’t always about appointments, paperwork or addressing an immediate problem. Sometimes, it’s about creating opportunities for positive experiences, conversation and connection.

Activities such as arts and crafts can provide a chance to spend time together, develop interests and build confidence in a comfortable environment.

They can also help strengthen the trusting relationships that are so important when supporting people who have experienced trauma and instability.

For Gemma, spending time with individuals in this way is just as much a part of her role as arranging appointments or helping someone manage their tenancy.

A Role That Requires Flexibility and Understanding

Although Gemma’s day may begin with a plan, priorities can quickly change.

An individual might need additional emotional support, an urgent healthcare appointment may arise, or a concern relating to someone’s accommodation might need attention.

With eight people to support, each facing different circumstances, flexibility is essential.

The role involves working closely with external organisations, healthcare professionals and other support services to ensure individuals can access the help they need.

It also means recognising when someone needs practical assistance and when they simply need someone to listen.

For THRIVE members, achieving greater stability doesn’t necessarily mean overcoming every challenge. It might mean maintaining a safe and secure home, attending a healthcare appointment, developing a routine or feeling more comfortable engaging with others.

These everyday achievements are an important part of improving someone’s quality of life.

Making a Difference, One Day at a Time

Gemma’s working day offers an insight into the dedication, patience and understanding involved in supporting people with complex and changing needs.

From making phone calls and coordinating healthcare to checking in on someone’s mental health or spending time together on a creative activity, every part of her role contributes to the wider support THRIVE provides.

What connects these different responsibilities is a focus on the person behind them.

THRIVE recognises that everyone deserves stability, dignity, meaningful relationships and the opportunity to enjoy life, regardless of the challenges they have experienced.

For Gemma, there may be no such thing as a typical day, but each day brings opportunities to provide reassurance, build trust and help the people she supports feel more secure, connected and independent.

And sometimes, making a difference starts with something as simple as turning up, having a conversation and showing someone that they matter.