Making Space: Fancy a career change? Working in care might be for you

Working in social care is rewarding and inspiring where no two days are the same.

Many people aren’t sure if care work is for them but a fulfilling, flexible role in the sector could make a real difference to those in need and be the progressive career you were looking for.

There are fewer barriers to getting started in care work compared to other professions. Some people go straight into the job from school or college, or switch careers to join the sector later in life.

Qualifications can be gained while in employment, but the most important attribute for a career in care is compassion and a desire to enable others to live life to the full.

Becky, Registered Manager at our Darlington Extra Care Service, has spent her whole career working in care and it’s a commitment that has inspired her daughter to follow in her footsteps.

She started her career in health and social care straight from school.

"I've worked with people who have many different health conditions and disabilities. Some needed a simple welfare check, others needed 24-hour care, so I've pretty much seen every side of the care system, including hospitals.

“I love everything about working in care. Every day is different and each person we meet or support is different and unique with their own qualities. I enjoy working alongside my colleagues and seeing them making a difference each day to the lives of the people we support.”

Among Becky's residents today is Barbara, 81, who lost her husband Brian just before Christmas. "Becky is always helpful. It you've got a problem you can talk to her.

"She helps me with my medication and reads letters I can't understand, but recently she's also given me a lot of emotional support because, to be honest, I didn't want to go when my husband died. She helped talk me round and got me eating. I don't think I’d have bothered on my own."

Becky's mentor was her mother, a nurse. Becky's own daughter Chloe, 16, has been volunteering at the home for two years, and was nominated for a Great British Care Award and won a Women Achieving Greatness in Care award. She plans to follow in her mum's footsteps when she leaves school.

"I was inspired to get into care by Mum and now my daughter is following me and I'm very proud. You've got to have a big heart, a burning desire to help people and go above and beyond in this role, but I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have it."

“I have some great role models past and present, who help me learn in my role each day. Making Space believe in me, I am encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and I develop lots of new skills and knowledge on a daily basis.”

Since starting her role as a Registered Manager, Becky has gone on to become a dementia associate and then a facilitator for best practice in dementia care. She has also won the Frontline Leader award at the Great British Care Awards along with other team awards.

When asked what she would say to people joining Making Space, Becky said: “Grab it with both hands. I have worked for many organisations and I can hand on heart say that the people we support are at the heart of the service, staff are well thought of and everyone works together, across the whole organisation you are never just on your own.”

We are recruiting kind-hearted support workers, to find out more about a career in care and current vacancies at Making Space, you can see our Care and Support Jobs profile here or find them on our website. No experience is required, and all relevant training will be provided.