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Meet Jon Shepherd-Smyth, Deputy Service Manager for Be Well
“I don’t just feel like a number – this organisation is forward-thinking, invests in its staff, and is rooted in respect.”
We asked Jon to share a bit about his journey before joining Big Life. Here’s what he had to say:
“I ran a cold-pressed juice business for eight years, selling door-to-door and in shops across the UK. It was a great experience, as I handled everything from sales and production to health and safety, training, accounts, purchasing, and logistics.
Prior to running my own business, I worked for Big Life from 2013 to 2014 as part of the Being Well Salford team. I always knew I’d come back because I resonate with the group’s vision and values.”
Jon explained his current role and what a typical day looks like for him.
“As Deputy Service Manager for Be Well Manchester, my days are varied, which I love. I oversee the North, Central, and South Core services, including the PCN and Early Help Navigation pathways. This allows me to collaborate with many people internally and externally.
A typical day involves both in-person and online meetings with locality managers, as well as key external partners and stakeholders. Together, we plan, implement, and roll out initiatives to address health inequalities within the neighbourhoods we serve.”
We asked Jon how Big Life supports his personal and professional development.
“My career here has progressed quickly – from frontline worker to senior manager in just three years. Flexible working hours have even allowed me to develop a new business, which I primarily manage on weekends.”
Jon also shared a time when he felt the company’s values in action:
“I see what Big Life stands for every day. The group genuinely supports people’s wellbeing at work, whether through our Employee Assistance Program, occupational health services, reasonable adjustments, or other resources. I feel proud to work for an organisation that goes the extra mile to help people thrive. Unlike other companies with limited support, Big Life invests in supervision, personal development, and celebrates a culturally diverse workforce. I love that the group recognises people’s unique strengths and allows them to play to those strengths.”
We asked Jon what motivates him to come to work each day. Here’s what he had to say:
“I want to develop myself and help others grow. I love learning from colleagues and assisting them. In recent years, my biggest motivation has been to work alongside the management team to improve the attitude, quality, and work ethic of the wider team. I thrive on motivating and galvanising others, and seeing people develop inspires me. I’m also driven to help Be Well secure a more permanent contract so that we can plan strategically and make a bigger impact in the communities we serve.”
Finally, we asked Jon what advice he would give to someone considering joining Big Life, and one thing potential employees should know about working here.
“My advice is to join! Working here has helped me grow both personally and professionally. You’ll have the chance to be part of a movement that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and you’ll meet some wonderful people along the way.
You’ll get opportunities to grow and develop – in life, comfort zones are not the place to be. Growth comes out of challenge, and at Big Life, you’ll have the chance to reach new heights professionally and personally.”
