Story by Sarah B

My name is Sarah and I am currently a Senior Support Worker at X.

I started with Hilton Care as a bank worker and then shortly after enquired about becoming a full time member, I was lucky and was accepted on the team.

I fell in love with supported living a few years ago having relatives who also needed supported living as I grew up – I knew it was my calling!

I am not only dedicated to my job but I have received recognition for my efforts, including support worker of the year, which for me and my family is amazing and the reason for my continuous efforts as part of the team at X.   In every job I have given my all and to be recognised for this is all I’ve ever wanted – to see that my efforts help Tenants progress and achieve greater happiness, I would recommend the company to anyone. The support I have in my area with my managers Fleur and Karina has enabled me to further my career in becoming a senior.

Working to help support all Tenants become more independent whatever their abilities and finding avenues to progress more by using goal plans and communicating with Tenants is uplifting and humbling, particularly when Tenants achieve their goals. I’m honoured to be a part of our Tenants’ lives.

My children are all nearly grown up and my husband and I swapped roles so he could fulfil his dreams in being a metal sculptor. I was now taking the reins of a career, I’ve always been an organiser, working as a health and safety officer and formerly running a Brownie unit. I was also an assistant manager of a large café. I love to be challenged and I’m not stopped in my tracks, I’m always supported at Hilton Care.

I founded the gardening club for all Tenants in the local vicinity where we have group discussions, plan and grow our very own produce, and field trips so that all Tenants can make their own choice of produce. Tenants choose tea and cakes and seeing their smiles when eating what has been grown is very rewarding.

Since starting at X I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I was worried I would need to give up work as so many do with this condition, but I have the support from my team and managers and I’ve been able to progress and continue my career as a Senior Support Worker. One day I hope to progress further if the opportunity arises.