I come from a large family and when growing up I was always around other people. One of my family members had experienced care and when they shared their stories I became very curious, I had an instant interest in what they had to say.
When I left school I was not in a financial position to go to University so I started a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) in a Nursery and I instantly loved the role of Nursery worker.
I felt this was my route into social work, so I continued to learn and after a number of years I was so privileged to gain employment in a Children’s Home.
Working in the home for over 15 years gave me a solid foundation in terms of how children and young people felt and I gained so much job satisfaction in this role. However, I also became very curious to how their lives could have differed had the interventions been different and this made me more determined to gain a place on the Employment Based Social Work Degree.
As a mature student I absolutely thrived during my four years of study and when I qualified, I became a Locality Social Worker in the safeguarding teams.
I have over 26 years experience of supporting Children, Young People and their families and the role of a social worker can be challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding jobs and is certainly like no other.
My weeks are now defined by the people we help, and I get to fulfil my inner desire to help other people, which from a young age has always been part of my make-up. No two days are the same in this role and I enjoy working with people from countless backgrounds and life experiences.
I became a social worker because I believe in social justice and I want to help other people grow, develop and reach their full potential, this job allows me to create positive change in people’s lives.
Outside of work, you will find me spending weekends with family and socialising with friends. I love a sun lounger in the garden, while I watch and listen to the birds sing and the clouds pass by.