For Support Workers at InFocus, every day is truly different. We caught up with Hazel, who works as a Support Worker with young adults in our specialist residential centre, St Davids to hear about a typical day in the life of.
What’s it like being a Support Worker?
It’s a hugely rewarding and varied role. Doing this job you get to see young people doing and achieving things they’ve probably never done before. I work with a passionate, caring team who are always supportive and together we work with the young adults to make sure that they have the best day they can, everyday.
Doing this job you get to see young people doing and achieving things they’ve probably never done before.
Hazel, Support Worker at InFocus
What are the young adults you support like?
They are all so different but all brilliant. They can be amazing and sometimes they can be challenging. Some of them love nothing more than sitting outside with a cup of tea and watching the world go around and others like to go on daytrips and explore our local area.
What does your typical day look like?
Honestly, every day is different. My shift begins at 7am, where I support whoever I’m working with that day with their morning routine, including personal support and hygiene. Next up is breakfast, where I usually sit with the young person and find out what they would like to do today over a cup of tea. Then it’s helping to plan the day accordingly to help them achieve this. Today for example, the young person wanted to spend time outside walking and practicing mobility using their Hoople Cane. They then spent some time on the swing, which they often find very calming. At lunch, they enjoyed a jacket potato followed by cake and custard for pudding – which is a daily favourite! In the afternoon we drove to the beach before heading back to InFocus for the afternoon handover at 4pm. Here, I verbally handover to the next member of staff coming over on shift. At the end of the day I complete an event log and make sure everything is up to date for the next person.
What would your advice be for someone who wants to become a Support Worker?
Do it! You really won’t regret it. You’re doing something that makes a huge difference to people’s lives everyday, and in return it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have. Lot’s of people come into care with no previous experience and thoroughly enjoy it. If you’re kind, caring and compassionate, it could be the perfect job for you. It will certainly be the most rewarding one!
