Lately, I have been asking myself why I enjoy what I do. I work with adults with learning disabilities in Cornwall at a home called Bowden Derra Park. However, there are many different environments to work in within the Care Sector including care homes, residential facilities, client’s homes, day centres and hospitals.
I have been here for nearly 8 years. We are here to support and empower the people we work with. Supporting people with learning disabilities has enabled me to form close trust-based relationships which has helped me to watch people develop and grow as individuals and to grow as a person myself.
Every day I can make a real difference in someone’s life, whether it is assisting with tasks they would otherwise find difficult, helping with household tasks, shopping or supporting and encouraging them to find activities they enjoy. The list of activities is enormous – football, cricket, dance, bowling, watching a show, cinema, pub or going for a walk, and many more. We also spend time painting, playing board games and doing arts and crafts depending on what the person would like to do and when.
Many adults with learning disabilities face isolation and a lack of support. We have been able to bridge this gap by finding out the likes and dislikes of the people we support and finding events and activities in our community for them to join. Many group events happen in our local town including knit and natter, playing pool and walking groups. Some of the people we support have developed friendships which has widened their social circle.
Helping the people we support to progress and achieve their goals gives me lots of emotional fulfilment, satisfaction of a job well done and a real sense of purpose. Also, there is lots of room for personal development and many people choose to go into other fields including occupational therapy, nursing or social work through training and apprenticeships. So, you can learn as you earn.
I would recommend that anyone thinking about being a support worker, takes that leap. If you’re caring and like the feeling you get from helping people, this career could be for you!
For more information give us a call on 01566-880340 or send us a message Training & Recruitment – The Park Launceston (bowdenderra.co.uk)
By Aaron Trewin 30th September 2024
