I AM: Meet the Team, our new blog series offering a behind-the-scenes look at I AM Celebrating Autism. Each post introduces the passionate team and board members driving our mission, sharing their roles, motivations, and the impact of their work across Greater Manchester. We’re starting with Cereasha Bailey, our Administration Officer who joined in June 2024. With her expertise and enthusiasm, Cereasha is an invaluable addition to our team. Don’t miss her interview, where she shares her goals and excitement about being part of I AM. Follow along to meet the people behind I AM and see how we work together to celebrate autism and make a difference.
1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Before joining I AM, I worked as a support worker, a role I found incredibly rewarding. Supporting others and making a difference in their lives has always been a big part of who I am.
Outside of work, I’m a huge music lover – it’s my go-to for unwinding or lifting my spirits. I also love spending quality time with my friends, whether it’s a coffee catch-up or just having a laugh together.
On top of that, I’m a proud mum to two wonderful kids who keep me on my toes – and we’ve got some exciting changes ahead, as we’re expecting another little one soon! 😊 Life is definitely full, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.😊
2. What inspired you to join I AM as the new Administration Officer?
The role felt like it was made for me! The flexible hours and convenient location were definitely appealing, but what really drew me in was the chance to be part of a charity that’s genuinely making a difference. I’ve always admired organisations that put their heart into supporting people and creating positive change, and I AM does exactly that for the autism community. It’s such a meaningful cause, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to contribute to something that has such a real impact on people’s lives. Plus, the team seemed so passionate and welcoming – it felt like the perfect place for me to grow and make a difference.
3. What does a typical day look like in your role at I AM?
No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love about my role! Most days involve a mix of answering calls and emails, managing general admin tasks, and keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes. A big part of my day is also connecting with our amazing members, whether that’s helping them access support, answering their questions, or just having a friendly chat.
Some days, I’m working on organising events or tackling new projects, while others are about ensuring the team has everything they need to do their jobs effectively. It’s always busy, but knowing I’m contributing to something that truly makes a difference for our members and the autism community keeps me motivated and excited to come to work.
It’s all about being part of something bigger and knowing that every effort contributes to celebrating and empowering our community.
4. What excites you most about working for an autism charity, and how do you hope to make a difference?
I’m genuinely excited to be part of an organisation that makes such a meaningful impact on its members’ lives. Knowing that the work we do provides real support to individuals and families is incredibly rewarding. I especially love contributing to event planning whenever I can – it’s great to see ideas come to life and create moments that bring people together.
On a personal note, I’ve always wanted to take on a challenge to push my limits while giving back, so I’m eyeing a skydiving fundraiser (stay tuned for updates!). It’s something I’ve wanted to tick off my bucket list, and I can’t think of a better way to combine that with raising money for such an amazing cause.
Ultimately, I hope to make a difference by supporting the team behind the scenes and helping I AM grow, so we can reach even more people who need us. It’s all about being part of something bigger and knowing that every effort contributes to celebrating and empowering our community.
5. What has been the most rewarding aspect of your job so far, and what are you looking forward to in the future?
Meeting our members has been the absolute highlight of my job so far – it’s incredibly rewarding and heartwarming to see firsthand how our work makes a real difference in their lives. Whether it’s hearing their stories, seeing their progress, or just sharing a moment of joy with them, it’s those interactions that remind me why I’m here and why our mission is so important.
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about getting even more involved. Next year (2025), I’m hoping to spend more time with our groups, connecting with members on a deeper level, and understanding how we can continue to support them in the best ways possible. I can’t wait to be part of more activities and events and to keep building those relationships that make working here so special.
6. How are you planning to celebrate Christmas this year? Do you have any favourite festive traditions?
This year, I’m planning to spend Christmas with my children, and I couldn’t be more excited. For me, the festive season is all about creating those magical moments they’ll remember forever. From decorating the tree together to baking cookies (and probably eating half of them!), it’s the little things that make it special.
We’ll definitely have a cosy movie night with all the Christmas classics and maybe even a new one to add to the tradition. And of course, there’ll be plenty of excitement on Christmas morning – watching their faces light up as they unwrap gifts is the best feeling ever.
It’s really about slowing down, enjoying time together, and soaking up the joy of the season. For us, it’s less about perfection and more about the laughter, love, and memories we create along the way.
The festive season is about spending time with loved ones, not about having everything Instagram-perfect. A little bit of planning and a lot of patience goes a long way!
7. What’s your all-time favourite Christmas movie or song and why?
Hands down, it has to be Jingle All the Way starring Arnold Schwarzenegger! It’s such a nostalgic pick for me because I used to watch it with my mum every year, and it always brings back those warm, happy memories of us laughing together. There’s just something about the over-the-top quest for the Turbo Man doll and all the chaos that feels so festive and fun. Plus, it’s a reminder not to take the holidays too seriously and to enjoy the little moments with family. It’s not just a movie for me – it’s a tradition and a connection to those cherished times with my mum.
8. Do you have any go-to tips for staying organized during the busy festive season?
I’ll be honest – staying organised isn’t my natural strength! But during the festive season, I’ve found a few simple tricks that help keep the chaos in check. My number one rule is to take it one task at a time – it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed when there’s a million things to do, but focusing on just the next step makes it more manageable.
Lists are my lifesaver! Whether it’s a to-do list, a shopping list, or even just jotting down ideas as they pop into my head, writing things down helps me stay on track and keeps my brain from feeling cluttered. I also try to group similar tasks together – like sorting all the gift shopping in one go or setting aside a block of time to wrap presents (it takes age!) – so I can get into a rhythm and tick things off more efficiently.
Lastly, I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff. If something doesn’t go perfectly, that’s okay. The festive season is about spending time with loved ones, not about having everything Instagram-perfect. A little bit of planning and a lot of patience goes a long way!
9. If you could give one Christmas wish for I AM and the people it supports, what would it be?
If I could give one Christmas wish for I AM and the incredible people we support, it would be for everyone to experience the joy and warmth of the season in a way that feels perfect for them. Whether that’s spending time with loved ones, enjoying some quiet moments of peace, or creating special memories, I’d wish for each person to have a Christmas filled with happiness, love, and comfort.
And beyond just Christmas, I’d wish for continued support, understanding, and connection for everyone in our community – because the spirit of togetherness shouldn’t be limited to just one season. Here’s to a joyful, meaningful Christmas for all!
10. As someone new to Manchester, what are your three favourite things about the city, and is there anything on your Manchester bucket list for the new year?
Actually, I’ve called Manchester home for the past 32 years, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else! It’s such a vibrant, dynamic city with so much character. One of the absolute highlights of my year has been finally snagging tickets to see Oasis – I mean, it’s been a dream come true! Growing up with their music and feeling that deep connection to their Manchester roots, it felt like a full-circle moment. Honestly, it was everything I’d hoped for and more – the atmosphere, the music, and just being surrounded by fellow fans made it unforgettable. Manchester never fails to deliver amazing experiences like that!
