AIBU to ask if there are any support workers out there who can talk to me about their role.

[nicetoseeyoutoseeyou]

I was made redundant in January in an industry that I think will take a long time to recover. I've recently been offered a role as a support worker working with people with learning disabilities. Obviously, just NMW but needs must and being positive about it but... I am so nervous! I have always worked in an office. I would love to hear from any Support Workers and how you find the role. Did the role ever lead to unexpected opportunities?

Loads to learn in that sector and should give you lots of training opportunities. Go for it! I have had many opportunities and now have loads of qualifications funded by employers.

Did this for almost ten years and currently on maternity leave. It's very hard work for little pay or recognition. You will be expected to do more than simply care for the people. In my role I was a cook, cleaner, gave meds, managed their monies, gardener, did health and safety checks, fire drills, carried out formal risk assessments, house maintenance, tons of paperwork, formulated and updated care plans, key worker responsibilities... you name it, we probably do it. I often felt unsafe as one of the people we supported had poor mobility and we had no safe way of getting him up off the floor should he fall, plus the shower room wasn't suitable- raised enclosure, lack of hand rails, no wet room, ect. Plus there was a period where they had to move but the new home wasn't ready so they moved a wheelchair user into a caravan that wasn't adapted... nightmare. It's amazing nobody get injured. When the shit hits the fan you are first in the firing line, which always felt a little unfair given the lack of resources, training, ect. Even with all of this I still managed to enjoy my job and the meaningful contribution I was making to the people's lives. What I didn't enjoy was the way policy and procedure, and management would sometimes get in the way of your end goal which was basically supporting vulnerable people to live as meaningful and independent lives as possible.

OP how are you getting on? Did you stay?

Would also like to know how you got on op?