“I joined Alternative Futures Group as a Support Worker in 2005 at the age of 18, and I’ve been here ever since.
My first role was supporting adults with a learning disability, and I knew straight away that it was the right job for me. I loved working with the people we support so much.
Over the years I took the opportunity to complete numerous courses and career progression programmes. I completed my NVQ level 2 and 3 and multiple leadership and management courses. This led to me being able to apply for a Team Leader role within three years, where I was responsible for leading a range of services in Lancashire and managing several different teams of Support Workers.
After 10 years as Team Leader I saw the opportunity for an Area Manager come up and I jumped at the chance.
I have always been encouraged to learn and progress at AFG – I’ve never felt that I wanted to work anywhere else, because I’ve been able to progress so much here. It’s a large organisation with a lot of valuable resources there to support people on their journeys.
I wouldn’t even say my journey has even been challenging because of the level of support I have received from everyone. There’s lots of people who have worked within the organisation for a very long time and there’s a reason for that.
A career in care is not often seen as a young person’s carer – many people assume the only role available is the direct care and support they would give to somebody – but if you want to progress into more senior roles, that opportunity is absolutely there for you.
It has been a very successful career pathway for me – I was fresh out of college when I started and now at 36 I am managing 8 Team Leaders who in turn manage over 20 properties across Lancaster and West Lancashire.
I still feel strongly that my role still involves providing care and support for people and that I make a real difference.”
