As we celebrate Professional Care Workers’ Week (12–19 September), we are sharing journeys in care.

Kayleigh, ECH Area Operations Manager and Albie, a Carer, came together to share their experiences at different points in their careers. Albie is just beginning and Kayleigh is in a leadership role. 

Albie said: “We both agree, care is more than just a job, it’s a profession that changes lives.”

Why we like working in Extra Care Housing

Kayleigh explained what an Extra Care Housing (ECH) service involves: “ECH is different from a care home because residents live in their own apartments with their own front doors, giving them independence and freedom. At the same time, the service has an on-site care team on-site and communal spaces where people can come together. It’s the best of both worlds, residents have their independence, but also the reassurance that help and support are close by whenever it’s needed.”

Albie’s story: Finding my place in care

“When I first joined OSJCT, I knew very little about health care. With the support of my managers, hands-on practice and studying for my Level 2 and 3 NVQs, my confidence and knowledge have grown so much. I can easily recall the Care Act and MCA and apply what I’ve learned in real-life situations.

“That doesn’t mean I never feel self-doubt or struggle, I do. Self-doubt creeps in sometimes and I need a simple “you’ve got this” from someone around me. But it means the world when a senior colleague recognises my hard work and tells me it’s been done well.

“Some of the most intense moments are when emergencies happen, from the first Tunstall ring through to liaising with paramedics. Those are the times that test my knowledge of care plans and procedures - and when I’ve been praised for going above and beyond, I know I’ve made a real difference. One family once told me, after their mum sadly passed away, “You were mum’s favourite.” That’s a feeling that will stay with me forever.

“For me, care is about the little things as much as the big ones. I often ask myself: would my mum just want a cup of tea, or would she want a cup of tea and a laugh to go with it? It’s those moments of connection that make care so much more than ‘just a job.’

Kayleigh’s story: Growing into leadership

“My career began in the community, visiting clients in their own homes, before I spent some time in a community hospital, where I discovered how much I enjoyed the clinical side of care.

“I joined OSJCT in 2015 as a night carer at Fernleigh in Witney. I was lucky to work with a fantastic team, and before long I moved to another scheme, where I became Deputy Manager. That was my first taste of leadership, and I realised how much I enjoyed being part of a management team.

“When my manager left, I was encouraged to apply for a Registered Manager role. I got the job in 2018 and became Housing and Care Manager, which was challenging at times but incredibly rewarding. In 2020, I stepped into an Area Manager role, overseeing seven ECH services. Today, I’m Area Operations Manager, still learning and developing every day.

“I’ve also achieved my Level 3 and 5 diplomas in Health & Social Care and completed leadership programmes like i3, which helped me build resilience and support my teams more effectively. One of my most meaningful experiences was supporting a client and their family at the end of life. It reminded me that what we do is a privilege - being there at someone’s most important moments is at the heart of this profession.”

Why we’re proud to care

Kayleigh shared: “Both of our journeys show that care is more than just a job - it’s a profession. Whether starting with little experience, like Albie, or moving into leadership, like me, care offers endless opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference.”

Albie encourage other to consider a career in social care. They said: “If you’re considering a career in social care, our advice is simple: go for it. No two days are ever the same, you’ll meet people with the most incredible life stories, and the impact you have on others will stay with you forever.”