Amber is a Senior Welfare Benefit & Money Advisor here at Halton Housing but started her career on quite a different path. 

“I had studied Psychology at University with the intent to become a Forensic Psychologist but ended up working as a business consultant for a mobile phone operator. I took time after having my 1st child to volunteer at my local Citizens Advice Bureau I enjoyed helping clients with Welfare Rights, Employment and Money Advice queries and jumped at the opportunity to help embed a welfare support service in the local housing association.  

“I started work at Halton Housing to establish a Welfare Benefit and Money Advice support scheme in-house, I worked part-time on a FTC just as my son started school. He has started applying for University now and I have progressed to the team leader of the Welfare Benefit and Money Advice Team which has grown, through major welfare reforms to a team of 5 supporting our customers sustain their tenancies through maximising incomes, reducing debts and genuinely improving peoples’ lives. I work to promote the service to our customers and share information with and from partner agencies to have the biggest reach and impacts for our communities.  

“What I love about Halton Housing is how I really enjoy how 'Improving People's Lives' is more than just a strap line - everyone I have worked with really wants to do their best to help customers and one another to achieve great outcomes”. 

The theme for International Women's Day this year is 'Break the Bias'. It encourages us to imagine a gender equal world, a world that is, Free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.  
  
We asked Amber ‘How important is this message and why?'  

'Break the Bias' is essential to allow all women and girls to believe in themselves, to be aware to challenge their own perceived limitations and reach for the stars! Breaking the bias for men and boys to be accepting and not dismissive about a person's gender limiting what they can achieve. Having been raised by a strong women welder I have always had a role model to push boundaries and this campaign is so important for those without the role model to be aware of what they can do and not what they can often be told to do.  

What steps (big or small) can we all take to 'break the bias?'  

We can teach our sons that women and girls are equal, don't limit toy choices and activities to gender norms when they are small and don't diminish 'women's work' - 'throw like a girl' is saving the Women's World Cup ball - small changes can have a big influence!  

What would be your personal pledge to helping to 'break the bias?  

I will challenge stereotyping and gender terms which are dismissive of women as I witness them and explain why to help 'break the bias'