Sally Buttifant MBE, former Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership Officer and now Housing Options Adviser.
Sally started out as a Dr’s receptionist and learnt frontline customer service skills which she has put to good use in a career in local government. Her roles have included estate management, community engagement and before going in to housing options, 10 years working along the Mid Cheshire Line with partners and volunteers. Founder member of WiCR Sally is proud to have made a difference, encouraged people to volunteer and get involved with community rail.
Who inspired you to be a better person?
That’s a difficult one …… being bullied at school and being on the edge of friendship groups made me conscious of those who were left out and put down so I have always endeavoured to like everyone and realise that unkind or grumpy, awkward people may be experiencing their own trauma and to always try and include and give the benefit of the doubt.
I also lost my best friend to suicide when we were in our late twenties and that devastating event led me to become a Samaritan ….. learning active listening skills, to be non judgemental and calm has definitely made me a better person.
When did your life change for the better?
When I was 18 and woke up in hospital after a motorbike accident that nearly killed me …. It put everything in to perspective and made me realise that life is very precious and we should value and cherish every day. I was very lucky to be alive and am lucky to be alive!!
More recently life changed for the better when we got a kitten! After 30 years of having older rescue cats we finally got a kitten and he has filled our lives with joy … …. The joy of a cat up a Christmas tree …. Highly recommended!!
Who do you most respect in your work or home life and why?
Crikey! I try to respect everyone but recently the pandemic has made me really respect those who work in our care homes, our hospitals, on the transport network, in housing (I have to say that!), in retail …. In short the key workers who have kept things going and who have cared for us in different ways.
Also our volunteers … I loved working with our volunteers when I worked with Mid Cheshire CRP, they give their time freely and make such a difference.
What are your success habits?
Being proactive, being conscientious, giving to others what you want to receive back … trying to go the extra mile and never asking a volunteer to do something that I wasn’t prepared to do. Making the most of every day of course. And having pets …. Keeps you focussed and keeps you humble …. I have been well trained by the cats to respond to their every need!!
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