SUPPORT WORK TEAM
MEET SOME OF THE SUPPORT WORK TEAM
Our team of over 120 support workers are the core of our business, providing essential day to day support to the people we support. Get to know a few of them below.
Oliver Gray
Support Worker
“As I approached the age of 50 I realised that none of my previous roles in engineering and construction had felt truly fulfilling, so I took some ‘time out’ early 2021 to reassess my work life focus and balance. During this period I decided I wanted to spend more time with family and friends and also spend my ‘work time’ doing something that wasn’t money or target focused and that was more in line with things I enjoy.
After some deliberation I identified that I have always gained personal satisfaction from helping others. The care sector had had a spotlight shone on it during the lockdown period, so I decided that if I could adapt to this sector it would fulfil my desire to help people and hopefully give just a little bit back to society.
Since starting my role I haven’t had a shift where I haven’t had at least small moments that make me smile a little inside and sometimes genuine ‘belly laugh’ moments. Yes there are challenging moments in any given shift but they are always outweighed by the feeling that at the end of your shift you have helped someone to have a better day than they would have had on their own.
Cartref Ni have been brilliant, I came to them with no experience whatsoever yet Jackie and the team have reassured and guided me right the way through my training. The team I work with are all great, they’re experienced and professional but more importantly they are caring and considerate.
The one thing I know is that whilst I was initially apprehensive about making such a seismic career shift, 7 months in I knew it was 100% the right move. I have more time for my family and friends and as for my job, well that doesn’t feel like ‘work’, which is exactly what I was looking for.’’
Marian Lee
Support Worker
‘’The job advertised by Cartref Ni in 1991 had a very different approach to that I had experienced working in nursing and residential settings. It seemed too good to be true, but I knew if possible, I wanted to be part of such an inspirational process.
My journey of learning began and continues to this present day. I had little prior knowledge of the challenges so many individuals and their families faced on so many levels historically and currently.
When you have that faith and trust it is both daunting and exciting to begin to see the difference the right support can bring.
I could give many examples of enabling positive outcomes from helping choose décor to supporting on holidays. I have shared in the loss and celebrated the achievements and they too have shared in mine.
I have been very fortunate to work alongside some great staff as well as the individuals and families I have met along the way.
I stay because Cartref Ni stays true to the values that first attracted me. I love that lives can and do change and that which may seem impossible can and does become possible.’’
Jessica Andrews
Support Worker
‘’I left school and started a course in beauty therapy, but soon became bored and started looking for something more interesting. Then I found Cartref Ni. I began my first job as a support worker when I was 18 and fell in love with it. Every person I met and each situation I encountered was so different from the last. Working became fun and rewarding so I knew this was the job for me!
What I enjoy most working in social care is that no day is ever the same and the smallest of things can make the biggest difference to someone’s day. Putting a smile on someone’s face and seeing them full of appreciation makes me so happy and gives me a huge sense of achievement and even though not every day is plain sailing I still wouldn’t change a thing.
I enjoy working for Cartref Ni because I’ve been welcomed into the team, I feel the work I do is appreciated and I’m supported by everyone. I feel very lucky to be able to work alongside some great staff, supporting great individuals and their families. I’m proud of being a support worker in Cartref Ni and making positive changes to people’s lives.’’
Discover a rewarding career!
A career in support work can be really rewarding and each day is different. Find out more about careers at Cartref Ni.