To ask for some career advice on AIBU? - Looking for work in Social Care

[NeedToMakeAStart8]

I'm 48 and don't have any references (Due to the organisation I worked no longer existing). I took a career break to bring up kids. I've been looking at volunteer roles to get references, but I need references to get the roles. I don't want a massive career. I want to change my work focus to social care. how do I start? I don't think going back to college is an option because I have already got some qualifications from when I was young (totally unrelated to Social care). Is this even doable? Thanks for reading even if you don't have any advice.

You should find useful experiences on the Mature Study and Retraining board, here:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

Lots of people on those threads are studying or training for new qualifications even though they already have some; funding structures might have changed since the last time you looked, and there are loads of courses you can take for free.

Maybe have a look at the National Careers Service, too. Useful even if you don’t think you want a high powered career.

I didn't know that board existed! I've posted about something else on the work board before and nobody replied so posted here in a moment of madness. Just ignore this thread anyone and I will post there. Tyvm.

You could join the NHS as a support worker. It's low paid but good benefits and they will train you. References will need to cover past three years but can be personal ones (from professional people). Once you're on board you can get a feel for the patient groups, types of work etc and there's a very wide range of potential avenues you can take.

What sort of social care would interest you. If you mean health I think you are better applying for a band 2 hca role in the nhs. The pay , benefits and training are much better than in carehomes.

I would take any paying role (or any decent volunteer role at the minute). I'm just desperate to be doing something with my time and ultimately helping with bills, and I really want to work in social care (I know it can be very challenging). I would accept something like that in a shot. I will have a look on their website. I didn't think I would have a chance without professional references. I've got myself in a bit of a state about it all, so thank you for replying. And thank you to the pp who said about education still being an option. I feel like a dinosaur at the minute.

Ideally I would like to work with people who have learning disabilities, maybe in some sort of day centre? I have some life/family experience with this. I was looking for volunteer roles in this area but there isn't a lot at the moment and I thought the references would be a problem... I don't know what you mean by health is that working with people who are physically disabled? I need to go and do my homework I think! I was thinking care homes were my best option and I think I could enjoy that as well but it seems like there is more to think about. I am going to check out roles in the NHS. Thank you.

Health is looking after people , washing, dressing, helping them eat and drink, it can be in a hospital on a ward, in a carehome. The nhs is better because there is a lot of variety,

@NeedToMakeAStart8 I would suggest you contact Mencap. My brother is in a Mencap shared care home, it's a lovely place and they may be able to point you in the right direction

@NeedToMakeAStart8 Sorry not to have replied sooner. The band 2 NHS support workers are all trained on the job, no experience necessary other than enthusiastic attitude, empathy, and a willingness to muck in, although sometimes when I look at some agency staff I wonder if the only qualification they needed is a pulse For the hospital it's about having the numbers, it's quite desperate at the moment, blasted covid and brexit! Mental Health trusts look after learning disabilities, severe autism diagnosis etc, as well as dementia. Please dm if you want, happy to go into specifics.

I was also going to suggest Mencap. My daughter started volunteering with them at a holiday club for children with complex learning disabilities. She’s now in paid work there. She does it as a Saturday job but if she can get work with them that easily as a completely inexperienced 17 year old, I’m sure you can find something. They have a vacancies page on their site.