How the pandemic helped a bouncer find his purpose with Lifeways

A former club doorman has swapped policing punters for a career with purpose after joining Lifeways to support people with complex needs – and it’s all thanks to COVID. 

For more than 20 years, Stephen Lunn worked as head of security for various clubs and venues across Birmingham. But when the COVID-19 lockdown brought nightlife to a halt, he moved into security work at a local A&E - a change that set him on a completely new path. 

During his time at the hospital, Stephen found he had a natural ability to communicate with people experiencing mental health crises. His calm and compassionate approach made a real difference, to the point where a colleague even suggested he explore a role in care. 

“I ended up working security at a hospital where we dealt with people who were autistic or experiencing a mental health crisis, and I found I was quite good at talking them down, seeing things from their point of view and trying to understand where they were coming from,” he said. 

Before long, a position opened up as a support worker at Lifeways’ Stourside supported living service where management and the rest of the team have been incredibly supportive and have given him a wide range of training but are still always on hand if he has questions. 

“The people that I work with here are amazing. Lifeways is really supportive and if you don’t know anything or if you’re unsure about anything, you are able to just ask - there’s always something to learn.” A year into the role, Stephen explained that it was not only refreshing to move away from the hustle and bustle of nightlife but also rewarding in a way he had never experienced in his previous career. 

After getting to know Stephen, one of the people supported at Stourside asked him personally to be his key worker, which Stephen described as a real privilege. 

“I find it rewarding that I can help somebody have a better quality of life, and if my presence improves someone’s day, then I’m all for it,” he added. 

“My son is actually going through an autism referral at the moment, and this role has helped massively in understanding it all better.” 

Since changing careers, Stephen hasn’t looked back and is excited for what lies ahead at Stourside and Lifeways, where he says opportunities to grow and progress into roles such as Team Leader are more open than ever.