“From ‘just a short-term job’
to a career that’s shaped me”
I started work in a Residential Care home in 2003 at the age of 19. It was not vocation or a particular interest of mine at that time – it was a job, and I had just left 6th form college was going to do something great with my life, but I was not quite sure how, or what I was going to do, but being a “Care Assistant would do for now”.
My first week was hard work, and I was not sure it was for me – until someone I was caring for asked me why I wanted to do the job.
“I love my Grandad” I told her, “And I would want him to be looked after well if he was in a care home”. From then on, every person who I was giving care and support to became family to me – the job satisfaction in a person’s smile and appreciation fulfilled me much more than I could ever imagine.
In 2010, I came to work for Keychange Charity as a night care assistant – by then I had my Level 3 diploma in health and Social care and was looking to expand my knowledge, so enrolled at the Open University studying Social science.
Night shifts worked well for me at the time, but I also volunteered to be a relief day time Team Lead to cover holidays and sickness. In 2013, the community went through a lot of change, and before long I became Deputy Manager, a role I held for 3 years. I learnt so much in those three years, and I grew so much as a person.
In 2016, the Registered Manager post of the community was open, and I talked myself out of applying multiple times. My Keychange colleagues were so supportive, and positively pushed me towards empowering myself to apply. A Registered Manager position is one of great responsibility, and I am proud to say I threw myself into this role and over 7 years achieved an Outstanding rating with CQC.
“From then on, every person who I was giving care and support to became family to me”
“I found myself in a position where I could influence change, mentor and support others”
In 2020, which we not so fondly remember as the COVID years, I was asked to be part of the Quality Assurance team for Keychange. I found myself in a position where I could influence change, mentor and support others, and improve quality of service to those living within our communities. Quality Assurance was not where I had seen myself all those years ago, but here I was getting excited about data and digital systems that enhanced our service delivery. More importantly, Keychange saw my potential.
So here I am. I wanted to do something great with my life, and I am well on my way – and Keychange has played a pivotal part in that journey. But at my core, I will always be that 19-year-old Care Assistant who loves her Grandad.
“The leadership team at Keychange recognised strengths and abilities I did not realise I had myself.”
Conclusion
They believed in my capacity to grow and succeed and encouraged me to reach my full potential. From 2003 and “being a Care Assistant will do for now”, 20 years later with the training, guidance motivation and nurturing from Keychange – this was the job for me.
So here I am. I wanted to do something great with my life, and I am well on my way – and Keychange has played a pivotal part in that journey. But at my core, I will always be that 19-year-old Care Assistant who loves her Grandad.
