I’ve dedicated the last five years to working in care and support, with the last three years specifically focused on empowering individuals to live independently within their communities. I became a proud member of the SENAD Community family in Autumn 2023.

My passion lies in supporting people’s choices, fostering their independence, and empowering them to take control of their lives.

As Operations Manager, my approach involves a deep understanding of each individual’s needs and desires. I ensure that the staff I manage are aligned with these requirements, providing consistent and person-centred support. Clear and confident communication with everyone involved in the support network, including health and social care practitioners and family members, is essential to achieving this.

Currently, I support seven individuals who face a variety of challenges, including learning disabilities, Autism, a history of substance abuse, forensic backgrounds, mental health conditions, and neurological mobility complications.

Some recent notable outcomes include:

Relocating an Autistic Service User: This move was emotionally taxing and significantly increased their anxiety. Through careful planning, open communication, and reassurance, we successfully transitioned them into their new home, where they are now comfortably settled.

Beach Trip to Skegness: Organising this outing for an individual with particular challenges required meticulous planning, including seizure protocols and a non-motorway route to accommodate their behaviour’s. The trip was a resounding success, bringing joy to both the individual and the team.

Community Reintegration Post-Hospitalisation: After a sudden illness required one individual to be hospitalised, we provided 24/7 support with familiar staff to ease their anxiety. This young person has since returned home, more settled than ever, and is now a regular visitor to our offices.

The most rewarding aspect of my role is witnessing the positive changes in people’s lives and seeing them embrace new experiences. Being part of this transformation is incredibly fulfilling.

I am immensely proud of my team and their dedication. I encourage them to take ownership of their interactions with service users, and I learn from their experiences every day. Regular team meetings and supervisions foster a strong, cohesive team spirit. Our in-house training is exceptional, ensuring that every staff member possesses the skills necessary to provide outstanding support. I am fortunate to have inspiring role models at SENAD who guide and encourage me. Their support has motivated me to further my career, and I am currently pursuing NVQ qualifications.