Dani's Journey - Support Liaison Officer (EOC)

Dani Cobley is a support liaison officer who has been with the Trust for 17 years.

In October, I’ll be marking 17 years with the East of England Ambulance Service - a journey that began when I joined as an emergency call handler. For me, it felt like joining the family business; both my mother and aunt had held the same role and spoke so passionately about it. Inspired by them, I initially thought I’d follow in my aunt’s footsteps and become a paramedic. But the moment I stepped into the control room, everything changed.

I quickly fell in love with the environment, the people I worked with, and most importantly, the difference I could make from within that room. Call handling wasn’t just answering phones - it was helping save lives. It was being the calm voice in someone’s darkest moment. I realised I was exactly where I needed to be.

After a few years, I was promoted to call handler team leader, a role that truly allowed me to grow. Compassion, integrity, resilience, respect, teamwork, and caring for others became part of my daily routine, and I embraced it fully. I knew then that I had found my calling. Leadership was something new to me, but I was continuously learning, adapting and always remained positive.

It wasn’t until 2024 that I considered a new path, applying for the role of support liaison officer. Supporting staff through their probation, periods of sickness, maternity/paternity, reasonable adjustments, health passports, and ongoing welfare issues has shown me another side of making a difference - this time, for the people who give so much of themselves every day. It’s a role I now believe was made for me.