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Q&A: Chris and Tam’s Experience of Working in Intensive Support Services!

Intensive support, it might sound a little scary, but it’s actually just a specialist, multidisciplinary team dedicated to assessing, supporting, and treating individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs, including severe challenging behaviour, autism, and mental health issues.

It’s hard work, but it’s super rewarding. Senior Support Worker Chris and Support Worker Tam know exactly how rewarding intensive support can be. They both work at Rivers, one of our intensive support services in Nottinghamshire. Here, they help people that have experienced mental health crises to regain their independence, reintegrate with their local community and live fulfilled lives!

We caught up with Chris and Tam to find out more about their roles and their experience at Voyage Care so far…

Hi Tam and Chris, tell us a bit about you!

T: “I’ve worked at Rivers for over five years, but time has flown by – in a good way! Building meaningful, constructive relationships with my team and the people we support has been very important. It feels like I’m part of one big extended family. Most of the time, it doesn’t feel like work because I’m doing a job that changes the lives of people with complex mental health needs.”

C: “I used to be a warehouse worker but began my career in care a few years ago. I started out in domiciliary care, and realised I thrived on the challenges it brought me. So, I decided to look for other roles that would keep my passion for helping others alive! That’s when I joined Rivers.”

 

What is the best part about being a Support Worker?

T: “As a Support Worker, I enjoy being involved in people’s daily lives! I know I’m making a massive difference to people every day. And they teach me just as much as I teach them. Every person is an individual and has their own wisdom to share from life lessons, which provides me with a fresh outlook on life’s ups and downs.

“Together, we navigate life, sharing thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. But, for me, the laughter we share and the beaming smiles of the people we support when their dreams become a reality is what makes my role fulfilling!”

C: “Even though some days are challenging, I know the support I provide is essential and makes a huge difference to the lives of people with complex needs. Every day, I get to help the people living at Rivers to regain lost skills and achieve their goals. I feel so passionate about caring for the people we support, and I’ll never stop wanting to put a smile on everyone’s face.”

My role is so rewarding!

What support or training have you received to help you in your role?

T: “The support I’ve received from Voyage Care has been amazing! I get regular training to keep my knowledge and skills on top form. Things like first aid training and mental health workshops – which are crucial in helping me to support those with challenging mental health needs.”

C: “It’s been fantastic. I’ve climbed the ranks in care and a lot of that is down to the career progression offered by Voyage Care. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Voyage Care that has seen me grow from Support Worker to Senior Support Worker!

“But it’s not just career support you get here. The team at Rivers are passionate about supporting colleague mental health too. I have suffered with mental health problems at times due to long hours which made me sometimes a little less reliable at work. But the management team were amazing with me and put adjustments in place to make sure I could find a better work/life balance.”

What makes your role so rewarding?

T: “The best part of my job is helping others. Supporting them to enjoy their days and get stuck in with the things they love like cooking and baking will always be my top priority. Knowing that people trust and believe in you is such a beautiful feeling.”

C: “I thrive on not only helping the people we support but also helping the team. We have heaps of laughter and loads of meaningful moments together, from social interaction to personal care and medical support. Whatever the task, we are there every day empowering each other.”

Making a difference makes me so happy!

Learn more about our roles!

Want to make a difference like Chris and Tam? We have a range of career opportunities across the UK. If you are interested in joining Voyage Care, view our latest vacancies and start your own journey with us today!