When Stuart Healer first joined Swanton Care 15 years ago, he never imagined where the journey would take him. Starting out as a Support Worker, he has worked his way through the organisation and is now Registered Manager at Murton Grange and Trinity House in Durham, reflecting on a career built through learning, teamwork and commitment.
“I was really nervous when I first joined,” Stuart says. “I felt like I had a lot to learn. Watching other staff support non‑verbal people really showed me how much there was to develop and grow into. At the time, I was still finding my feet and learning whether the role was right for me.”
Over time, that uncertainty began to fade as Stuart grew in confidence and developed his skills. What once felt overwhelming slowly became familiar, and the role turned into something much more than just a job. Supporting people, learning from colleagues and gaining experience helped shape a career he’s proud of today, with Swanton Care providing the support, opportunities and encouragement along the way.
One of Stuart’s proudest moments was becoming Registered Manager at Seaham View, a neighbouring service and where his career with Swanton Care first began as a Support Worker. “That was always my long‑term goal,” he explains. “It meant a lot to me, especially because that’s where my journey began.”
For Stuart, the most rewarding part of the role has always been seeing the people we support achieve things others once thought weren’t possible. From raising thousands for charity, to major health achievements such as significant weight loss, to rebuilding relationships with family members — all achievements he’s incredibly proud of.
Another key milestone came when Seaham View received a ‘Good’ rating in all areas from CQC. It was Stuart’s first inspection as Registered Manager and took place early in the new framework. “That meant a lot to me personally and to the whole team,” he says.
Building strong, supportive teams is something Stuart is passionate about. Having worked his way through roles as a Support Worker, Team Leader and Deputy Manager, he understands the pressures colleagues face day to day. That experience helps him lead with empathy and support people in a way that feels practical and genuine.
Even after 15 years, Stuart’s motivation hasn’t faded. “There’s always room to improve,” he says. “No matter how good a service is, there’s always an opportunity to grow and do even better.”
For anyone just starting out at Swanton, Stuart encourages them to embrace the ethos, enjoy the role, and see each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow.
With experience across multiple roles and services, Stuart continues to focus on supporting people well and leading teams with understanding and consistency. His journey reflects the value of learning on the job, growing with support, and staying connected to the values that matter most in social care.
Thank you, Stuart, for 15 years of dedication, commitment, and the difference you continue to make every day.
