I started my career with the SENAD Group in March 2019, as a Support Worker for the groups Community Support team, SENAD Community. SENAD Community support people in their own homes. Each person has their own specific support needs. Some people have a forensic background, some people we support have learning disabilities, autism, communication difficulties and acquired brain injury.

I support two people and have worked with them for a few years. I provide person centred care for each of the clients and have a great working relationship with them both. One of the people I support uses non- verbal communication which is challenging but it is extremely rewarding to use alternative communication methods.

I am naturally a patient person and my role has taught me to be even more appreciative, patient and understanding. To do the role well its essential to take the time to really get to know the person you are supporting, what they enjoy doing, what makes them happy, unhappy, anxious. What really matters to them and what things they need support with and the things they want to be left to do for themselves. Getting the right level of support is important… it’s their life… I’m just helping them. All this information is held in their care plan. It’s brilliant when the people you support develop skills and confidence to do things with less support, or sometimes no support, the sense of achievement you get as their support worker when this happens is amazing.

It’s also really important to be aware when things for the person you support aren’t right or what to do if you have any concerns. Working as part of a team with the other people that provide support is vital to understand what’s going on for the person and informing operations management if you still have concerns or need advice on how best to deal with the situation.

The team I work with have been so helpful in communicating the changing needs of the service user. We have a PBS and email system that SENAD provide to aid this communication. We also have a staff forum which is a brilliant way to understand what’s going on in the wider SENAD Group. There’s lots of support to help you and lots of training too.

Throughout my four years with SENAD Community I have had my rota tailored to suit my education (Master’s and PhD on a part time basis) and when I had a bereavement in the family my managers went above and beyond to support me. It has encouraged me to equally go above and beyond for the company and the people I support.