Meet Oli one of our support workers

Read about Oli’s experience of working as a Support Worker.

Oli joined the Southwell Road East team in Nottingham as a Support Worker earlier this year. Together they support eight adults with complex learning disabilities and mental health needs to live fulfilled lives.

Oli knew at a young age that she wanted to help others. She suffered from bullying and poor mental health during secondary school but this has made her very resilient. We asked her to share her experience of joining us and working in care and support.

“I didn’t do so well in my GCSEs as I was in and out of school. I now know that your GCSE results do not determine the rest of your life. I am full of energy and have a lot to offer. After school I had various jobs including working at Greggs and Dunkin Donuts. But none of these gave me any job satisfaction.

“Someone I knew was working at NCHA and they said I would enjoy a job as a support worker as I like to help people. I decided to look into it and applied for a position. The whole process was very easy and took about two months as I needed to sort references and a DBS check.

“I work a shift pattern and times can vary, but I like the flexibility. My daily routine includes anything that supports our residents in their day-to-day lives. This can include activities, outings, shopping or taking them to appointments; no working day is the same. The highlight of my week is when we all sit together and have Sunday lunch.

“It’s a good job with great benefits. I have more holidays than I have had in previous jobs and I receive a healthcare cash plan, called HealthShield, which pays for my glasses and many other things. I have also learnt that NCHA is such a big company and that we build and sell houses too!

“The team I work with are like a family and they are so helpful. They have been really supportive through all my training. My manager checks in with me regularly to review my progress. We can become emotionally invested so it is important to learn coping mechanisms and talk to each other.

“I still live at home but I am saving to have a place of my own one day. I am also paying to complete my A-levels in my own time. I feel in a much better place now than when I was 16 and I am looking forward to seeing what the future brings.”

Oli is flourishing in her new role as a Support Worker. If you’re looking for a rewarding career with a company that supports its colleagues, we have Support Worker roles available across the East Midlands. View our job vacancies to find a role for you.