Q: Why did you want to pursue a role in support work?

I was brought up around care and have supported my dad, who has a physical disability. This gave me a good understanding of what may be needed in the role, and I have always enjoyed supporting him.

Q: Since joining the academy, what have you enjoyed?

I’ve really enjoyed helping others, knowing that I’m doing some good for someone who needs my support. Now I’m supporting 'L', I really enjoy his company, the discussions we have and how we really get on, I don’t see this as a job.

Q: Tell me about the training academy, what have you done?

First I had an interview which asked me about my understanding of care as well as me as a person, I was successful and commenced my mandatory Training and Care Certificate modules. I also did face to face training, which included positive intervention and restraint. I then shadowed support workers in loads of different places. 

I was told this was to see where I was comfortable and what type of support worker I wanted to be, but I enjoyed all the places. I did 6 weeks in total, which included a longer period with 'L'. It was really good and I got to understand more what 'L’s needs and wants were. Once I’ve finished the shadows, I became one of 'L’s support team permanently.

Q: What does a typical day of support with 'L' look like? 

The mornings in the week is about getting ready for college. Getting up, 'L' has a bath, I help with his personal care, I then support 'L' to get dressed, with the clothes he has picked out. Breakfast is followed by taking him to college. Later in the day I pick him up and we come home, 'L' likes shoes off in the house so we do that first then it's always a coffee, he loves his coffee. We sit down, make sure he has one of his fidget toys, and I give him options for tea. We then prepare and cook tea. 'L' then likes another bath. We may then talk about his favourite subjects, comedy or music, he loves older music like the Beatles or he will watch TV or I will help him search things on YouTube.

I love what I’m doing and I’m happy at the moment supporting 'L' and keep learning. I’d like to improve my sign language and Makaton, I’ve picked it up well and I understand 'L'’s signs, we communicate really well, but I want to get better.