by Andrea Parr, Director (Adult Social Care)
As an Operational Director ‘ambition’ is something I believe is essential. Being ambitious for the people who draw on our support, for our teams and for one another helps create opportunities, build confidence and challenge what people may think is possible. For me, ambition is not about titles or status, it is about believing in people, listening to them and helping turn aspirations into reality.
Being a Shared Lives Carer
Alongside my leadership role, I am also a Shared Lives Carer for Jess, and some of the most important lessons about purpose and belonging come from everyday life and community connection. Through our Everyone, Everywhere journey it became really important to think about how Jess could connect more with people in our local neighbourhood in ways that felt meaningful and purposeful to her.
Jess loves helping people, chatting and being part of things. She also loves getting up early, so together we explored opportunities within our community that matched her passions and strengths. We connected with our local Parkrun, after I was introduced to it by Jo Ellis, and now volunteer there together on Saturday mornings, something Jess absolutely loves.
What started as volunteering quickly became something far bigger. It created a real sense of purpose, of giving back and being part of something. Jess is now recognised by so many people there and known by name. If she is not with me one Saturday morning, people often ask, “Where’s Jess today?” That feeling of belonging matters so much. It is about being seen, valued and genuinely included within your community. For me, that is what real purpose looks like.
Mastering the MoonWalk
Ambition also means listening when someone shares a dream or challenge they want to take on. When our colleague Sui-Ling shared that she wanted to take part in the MoonWalk in London, I was genuinely thrilled. Together we talked through the options as the walk takes place overnight - a 10k, a half marathon or the full marathon of 26.2 miles.
Sui-Ling was clear from the beginning that she wanted to complete the full marathon. I remember suggesting that maybe the half marathon might be enough, but she was determined to do the full distance. Her attitude was simple: “Why not? We can always try our best.”
That ambition and determination was inspiring.
The purpose behind the walk mattered deeply to us both. The MoonWalk raises money for breast cancer through the Walk the Walk charity, and like many people, I know colleagues and friends whose lives have been impacted by cancer. Throughout the night we thought about those individuals and the strength and courage shown by so many people affected by it.
We started walking at 11pm and crossed the finish line at around 9.30am the next morning. Sui-Ling completed the entire 26.2 miles. Despite blisters, exhaustion and pain, she stayed positive, determined and focused on reaching that medal.
What stood out most to me was the power of teamwork, encouragement and shared purpose. We committed to doing this as part of MacIntyre’s 60th year and the 60 Acts of Kindness initiative, wanting to contribute, give back to our communities and challenge ourselves at the same time.
And we did it!!!!
I genuinely could not have partnered with a more inspiring person. We kept each other going every step of the way and became part of something much bigger than ourselves that night. Surrounded by thousands of people walking for a cause that mattered, we felt connected, purposeful and ambitious for one another. We also raised £860 for the charity through generous contributions from friends, colleagues and family.
Action and belief
One of my favourite sayings is:
Don’t just talk about it — do it. Without action it’s just a thought, but with action you can make a difference.
For me, ambition and purpose are exactly that, believing in people, creating opportunities, connecting communities and having the courage to take action that can truly change lives.
