ASB Careers Series: From Dentistry to Championing Victims – Charlie Hamilton-Kay’s Journey
I didn’t step into ASB work straight away. In fact, my early career path was anything but straightforward. I tried my hand at several roles – working as a bank manager, running a pub with my husband, and even qualifying as a dental nurse. But I always knew I wanted a role that would let me support people through difficult times.
It was a toxic manager in dentistry that finally pushed me to make a change and look for my forever career. That’s how I found my way into the world of ASB.
Finding a Voice for Victims
My first step into ASB was with Remedi, a charity in Sheffield founded in 1996. I joined the Derbyshire Victims Services team, offering emotional and practical support to victims of crime and ASB. I quickly found myself specialising in ASB and developing a real passion for championing the voice of victims.
It became clear to me that many victims were struggling to get the right help from agencies and partners. That injustice lit a fire in me and shaped the path I’ve been on ever since.
Stepping into a National Role
Today, I’m Deputy CEO at ASB Help, the national charity in England and Wales dedicated to supporting victims of anti-social behaviour. We work to give victims a stronger voice, provide clear advice, and push for systems that work better for those who need them most.
A big part of our work is about balance: supporting victims directly through our Victims Hub, while also helping practitioners through our Practitioners Hub with tools, training, and best-practice resources. We also campaign nationally, sit on the ASB Strategic Board, and use research to influence policy and practice.
This year has been especially exciting as we launched two important resources for practitioners. The ASB Case Reviews: A Practitioner’s Guide sets out how to make the case review process fairer, more accessible, and more effective. And our new Practitioners’ Communication Guide focuses on how the language we use can completely shape how victims feel supported – or dismissed. Knowing these guides are already helping frontline teams and improving outcomes for victims is something I’m incredibly proud of.
What I Love About My Role
There are so many things I love. The sense of achievement when we get a result for victims. The lightbulb moments when we see practitioners grow in confidence managing complex cases. The chance to shout about the challenges victims face and know we are making a difference. And meeting new people, learning something new, and knowing that no two days are the same.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Working in ASB has taught me to develop a thick skin. Not everyone agrees with what we say or wants to hear it. But that can’t distract from our mission.
The most important lesson for me has been never losing sight of the victim. Complex cases, red tape and resource challenges can make the job hard. But at the centre of it all is someone with nowhere else to turn, relying on us to help. That reminder keeps me grounded.
Training That’s Made a Difference
For me, the most valuable learning has been around understanding the vulnerabilities and needs behind ASB. Everyone experiences it differently, depending on their circumstances. Recognising those differences and understanding the underlying causes of behaviour is vital to supporting victims and finding the right solutions.
Thinking About a Career in ASB?
My advice is simple. Be prepared – this job can be tough. It’s demanding, challenging, and sometimes frustratingly repetitive. But it’s also one of the most rewarding careers you could choose.
If you’ve got the determination to keep learning, stay open-minded, and always keep victims at the heart of what you do, then it really is the best job in the world.