A Day In The Life Of Support Worker

Helen Smeaton

What does a Support Worker do?

I am there to support our tenants in their homes and within the community to live as independently as possible, allowing them to take ownership of their own lives and futures to the best of their ability. Supported living is a fresh approach giving a person the care and support they need to live as an individual, rather than one of a group of residents such as in nursing homes. My role is to encourage and support our tenants, enabling them to grow in confidence and flourish.

What do you enjoy most about working at the Rossendale Trust?

I enjoy the joy! Now that all our activities are back in full swing since lockdown, it really is an absolute delight to see our tenant’s enthusiasm when they are doing the things that they love or to hear their stories about their day when I’m bringing them back home after their activity sessions.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I would start by going through the handover book from the previous Support Worker before checking over a tenant’s medication and looking at any finances that need attention. Then, we will go through the diary for that day and I will arrange to take the tenant off site for instance if they are attending an appointment or we are going shopping. Then I support them with any household tasks that need doing or cooking meals and generally chatting and engaging with them during the day. There is no typical day as every day is different!

What excites you the most about the work?

Being able to make a difference. For example, if communication is an obstacle but a tenant comes and chats or signs with me when I know that’s difficult for them, that is really rewarding. Also, when I see a tenant go beyond their comfort zone, perhaps participating in and succeeding at something they once found really tricky.

Have you learned anything new since you started?

Having come from a setting where I worked with children, I have learned to step back and allow the tenant to be as independent as they can – it’s something I still have to remind myself of at times!

What would you say to someone who’s interested in applying to be a Support Worker?

Definitely give it a go. You work in different settings and with different tenants which adds more to your experience and no day is the same. I would say that some of the tenants need time to get to know you but once they do, it’s a very rewarding job. I feel that every day, I make a difference to someone’s life.

What piece of advice would you tell someone who has just started at Rossendale Trust?

I tell people that are new that they will always be supported. There’s always someone that they can ask advice from. It’s a friendly and kind place to work and all the staff are great and very enthusiastic about what they do.

What are you most proud of in your job?

That tenants like me! Even if it’s someone I’ve chatted to but not worked with, when they are happy to see me, it’s a great feeling.