Here’s 60 seconds with our expert Mel
Name: Mel
Area of expertise: Virtual assistant support, Access to Work-funded support, Independent Access to Work Advisor, business admin, organisation and systems, accessibility-first working practices, and leading peer support communities for disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent professionals.
When & why did you join Get Ahead: I joined Get Ahead in October 2024 following a referral from a colleague. I loved the idea of being part of a supportive, values-led network where collaboration matters just as much as expertise, and where I could connect with clients who genuinely value specialised support.
What did you do before you joined Get Ahead: Before joining Get Ahead, I worked in Social Services roles while managing long-term health conditions. As my health changed, traditional employment became increasingly unsustainable, which led me to transition into self-employment and begin supporting clients in ways that better reflect real-life capacity, accessibility, and individual needs.
Career highlight to date: Building a flexible, sustainable freelance career, shaped by both professional experience and lived experience as a disabled person. This includes creating and growing an online community to support disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent business owners, as well as developing ways of working that allow me to focus on my skills and strengths rather than barriers. Being able to work more flexibly and help others do the same has been a genuinely proud milestone.
Plans for the future: To work with more values-aligned clients and professionals, raise awareness of accessibility-first ways of working, and support people to build sustainable careers and businesses. I’m especially interested in developing my coaching and advisory skills and continuing to learn alongside the incredible network at Get Ahead.