Access Insights: Getting to know Leeann Monk-Ozgul

Today we are excited to introduce you to Leeann Monk-?zgül , our Operation Director for Access Elemental Social Prescribing . Her passion and hard work have made a big difference to our team and customers.

We would also like to say congratulations to Leeann who has recently been shortlisted for a 'Catalyst for Change' award. Keep your eyes peeled for more information about this very soon.

Thank you to Leeann for sitting down to chat with us. ??

How long have you been with the company?

11 years past in June 2024. I am co-founder of Access Elemental Social Prescribing which we incorporated in June 2013 by Jennifer Neff and myself.?In August 2021 we were acquired by The Access Group .

What was the last movie you watched?

I am not really a movie person, I am more of a documentary, real life programme one.?On TV, I love Long Lost Family, The Hotel Inspector and 4 in a bed.?I also follow a lot of travel vloggers on YouTube. ????

What were your hobbies when you were younger?

I used to get obsessed with lots of things when I was younger then dropped them like a hot coal and onto my next obsession.?Obsessions include song writing and signing ????(I haven’t a note in my head ??), roller booting ??(I was actually a good little roller booter, Irish dancing (was terrible).??

What was your dream job when you were a child?

I had this idea that I would travel the world selling something (with my little wheelie suitcase in tow). ????

What's your favourite memory of working with Access?

I have many!?The ones that stand out most is when we get great feedback from our customers and hear the lovely stories about how using our software has really helped give someone a better chance at life (by connecting them top community-based activities that support them).?Whether that be benefits advice, debt advice or supporting their mental or physical health.

What are you not very good at, but would like to improve on in the future?

Admitting defeat, which is both good and bad. I?always try and find alternative solutions to get around a problem. In group settings, this is good as alot of the time we find an answer to the problem. However, it can annoy some of my colleagues during the process as I leave no stone unturned (I can sense their eye rolling even if I can’t see it lol ??).

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What's been your highlight of the last month's work?

One of our customers being nominated for the Health Service Journal award: The Life Rooms ( Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust ). I personally have been working closely with Michael Crilly and the team in Merseyside for many years (they were one of the first customers to use Access Elemental).?They do an amazing work and the whole team is so committed and passionate in supporting people across Merseyside communities.?It made me so happy to see them nominated ??

What would you like to see change in your industry in the next five years?

I think we need more investment in health prevention work.?Not just in the health sector but across all sectors (housing, local government, VCSE sector, education and more).?Health prevention is everyone’s business! ??

Is there any part of your experience with Access or generally in your career that you would like to highlight?

The Access Group is a very good organisation to work in.?Here are my 3 top reasons: 1?? Real flexible working environment (for example, you want to work at home 2 days and 3 days in office there is no problem. You need some time out to take your child to the doctor or dentist no problem). 2?? Given your own autonomy (really trusting organisation and believe in your abilities and allow you to get on with it,?however, if you need support, you just reach out and the help is there). 3?? And a lot of other beautiful perks like the holidays scheme, some great health insurance plans, the car scheme, and the list goes on!

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