Real Life Stories

It is heart warming when you see the improvement in someone’s health and well-being because they are being looked after in a supportive way.

Sam Frenchay

After a successful career in the insurance industry, Sam Hawker returned to social care after having her children. Working part-time at first, she soon built up her hours and now leads Able Care Homes, with overall responsibility for six care homes and their teams.

I love knowing I can make a client feel better about themselves. It makes me happy knowing they are happy.

Ryan Yate

Ryan is currently working part-time as a Care Assistant while studying a sports coaching course at college. He works evening and weekend shifts for Noblis.

It’s lovely to see how much the residents and their families are grateful for all we do and how much happier you can make people and make a difference in their lives.

Paula Frenchay

Paula returned to work in care after having children. She works for Able Care.

Working in care has made a difference in my life, as well as making a difference in the lives of the people we care for.

Lamaai Kingswood

Lamaai Belkimite works for Alina Care. With the encouragement and support of her colleagues, she is training on the job, currently working her way through her NVQ qualifications.

If you’re a bit lost and looking for direction, or drifting from one mundane job to another like I was, get into care work. You’ve got nothing to lose!

Kelly Frenchay

Kelly Jones returned to work in care at the very start of the pandemic to cover isolating staff. She works for Able Care at Frenchay House, Bristol.

I love coming to work: every day is different and full of new challenges. There is no other job that gives you better job satisfaction than one in care.

Karin Frenchay

Karin Brownlie joined Able Care in Frenchay as a Manager three years ago, and has never looked back.

I enjoy the feeling of knowing other people have achieved their goals and feel proud, as I know I’ve done my bit to improve someone else’s quality of life.

Josh South Gloucestershire

Josh Baker switched his career plans when he realised teaching wasn’t for him. He is now Team Leader at Brandon Trust, supporting people with learning disabilities and autism.

I love working in a job with plenty of opportunities to learn as you progress, and lots of positive relationships with residents and colleagues alike.

Jayne Frenchay

Jayne Bowman’s first job in care was as a Night Assistant when her children were young. She has since progressed and she is now a Group Manager for Able Care Homes in Frenchay, showing that a job in care can lead to a prestigious career.

Looking after people is my passion: I believe it can change your life as much as you can change theirs.

Grace Soundwell

Starting as an apprentice at age sixteen, Grace Kenway has worked her way up the ladder to become Team Leader at Brunel Care in Soundwell, South Gloucestershire.

In my time as a carer, I have been able to progress and achieve NVQ qualifications. We are not ‘just carers’. We do everything and so much more.

Glenn Kingswood

Glenn Lowe began working for Alina Care after ten years working in an office. He was inspired to work in care after looking after his beloved grandparents – and is so glad he made that choice.

I love getting up and coming to work everyday and particularly on Christmas Day. To me, it doesn’t feel like work.

Emily Yate

Emily works as a Care Co-ordinator for Noblis. She’s a mum of three children between four months and four years, but still manages to work full time because caring is her passion.

It is a honour to provide care for our clients. Especially when you are able to bring a smile to your clients faces by being there to make conversation, or singing songs with them and laughing.

Beenish Kingswood

Beenish Walker applied for her first care role during the first national lockdown in 2020 and works for Alina Care in Bristol. Working in care, she says, has surpassed all her expectations.