This summer, we’re thrilled to celebrate an incredible milestone—Laurence's 20th anniversary as a valued team member at Eastcliffe, Sunderland.
For two decades, Laurence has brought compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to his role, making a lasting impact on the lives of the people we support. His journey is filled with unforgettable moments and a deep passion for care.
Reflecting on the past 20 years, Laurence shared some of his favourite memories:
“I’ve watched the people we support grow from youngsters into adults. We’ve travelled the world together—Spain, Amsterdam, the Lake District—and one of my favourite memories is taking them to Norway. It was such a remarkable time, and I feel lucky to have shared those experiences with them.”
Laurence has spent his entire career with Swanton at Eastcliffe, and his dedication to the service runs deep:
“I’ve always supported at Eastcliffe. I’ve helped out at other services, but my heart has always been with the lads here. Having a brother with autism gave me early insight into the importance of what we do—it’s something I’ve always felt connected to.”
Like any long journey, there have been challenges along the way. Laurence spoke openly about one particularly tough period—and how he found support:
“There was a time when supporting someone at Eastcliffe became very challenging for me personally, and it took a toll on my mental health. I reached out for help through counselling and the employee assistance programme at Swanton, which made a big difference. I’m proud to say that I now support that person with no issues at all.”
When asked what’s kept him going over the years, Laurence’s answer was clear:
“It’s all about the people we support. I love building strong, meaningful relationships with them. I also enjoy mentoring new staff—helping them grow and find their feet. I’ve got a lot of time and respect for every individual we support, and it’s amazing to see them reach their goals and enjoy life.”
For anyone starting out in health and social care, Laurence offers this advice:
“Always remember that everyone we support has individual needs. Person-centred support is everything. Treat people with dignity and respect—and never forget, you’re working in their home.”
Here he is in the centre, receiving his award from Divisional Director for the North, Neil (left), and Operations Manager for the North, Faye (right).
Laurence, thank you for 20 incredible years. Your kindness, wisdom, and dedication are deeply appreciated. We’re so proud to celebrate this milestone with you—here’s to many more!
