Deanna Earl

What do you do at Carefree? 

 I am a 16+ Senior Personal Advisor, offering support to young people aged 16 – 21  ( longer if a young person is in higher education ). Support can take many forms and I would discuss with a young person when we first meet what their needs are and ways we can work together to help work toward their goals.

What do you like about working at Carefree?  

I work with a dedicated team whose chief goal is to help each young person towards independent living and achieving what is needed for them to make the most of their talents (because I really believe that each person has a particular talent for something!) I strive to build a good working relationship with each person using the principles of “PACE” — Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy.

Can you say a bit about your past experience and qualifications? 

I have four grown children and seven grandchildren ( that is a LOT of experience !) 

I have a degree in English Literature from Michigan State University ( I am an American citizen but have lived and worked in Cornwall for the past 50 years!)  and also a Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling.

I have worked in the past for the Home Farm Trust ( supporting young adults with autism/learning disability) for 10 years. Counselling for the Women’s Refuge (Truro) and for SHARE (Young People’s Services ) for 4 years, Action for Children for 15 years ( as a leaving Care Personal Advisor) and now for Carefree Cornwall 16+ Leaving Care Team for the past 4 years.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? 

  • Being a ‘kid’ again with my young grandchildren
  • Meeting up with friends and family
  • Walking (especially exploring “off the beaten track”)
  • Many years of going down mines in Cornwall for mineral collecting
  • Reading
  • Playing guitar / piano
  • Writing poetry and short stories
  • Being curious and learning.

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