I am on secondment and I'm now about half way through. This job is
very different from my usual post as a supervisor at Ekta, a
rehabilitation and day centre for Asian elders.
I took the secondment opportunity to work with people with learning
difficulties in both hands, as I wanted the chance to expand my
experience.
It's not entirely what I expected, although I did know it would be
very different from working just with Asian service users.
I enjoy the positive atmosphere here and the service users'
attitudes are refreshing.
People with learning difficulties are usually unaware they have
different needs and there is a real purity about them.
Some older people - understandably - can be quite challenged by
their condition because it has evolved slowly over time and that
can be hard to adjust to.
I first got into care as a driver/care worker in Birmingham and
have worked my way up. Care attracted me because I saw it as a job
which had opportunities available for everyone. I've not been
disappointed with my choice as there are so many different fields
to work in.
Having opportunities to try out different places to work through
secondments is a great way of dipping your toe in a different area
and I'm enjoying learning new things.
The day centre has three units and I'm in charge of one of them.
It's a purpose-built building in a residential area.
I can be quite emotional and the hardest part of my job is when I
know a member of my team is having a hard time personally.
Sometimes supporting people and listening is the only thing you can
do and it doesn't seem enough somehow, even though it does relieve
their tension.
I'd describe my job as challenging, changing and cheerful.