Support Worker Tricia Gatenby has credited her career move into social care with changing her life for the better.
After almost 17 years as a call centre operator, Tricia admits she ‘hit a wall’ and woke up every day consumed with anxiety about her job.
She craved interaction with others and not to be stuck at a desk every day, so she applied for two roles – one as a bus driver and another as a Support Worker at Murton Grange.
According to Tricia, it was during her interview at the Swanton service that she realised that this was the job for her.
Tricia said: “I’d wondered about going into social care for years, but I wasn’t sure if I was cut out for the job.
“But when I went in for my interview, I got to spend time with one of the people we support, and they just won my heart then and there.
“Even though I was daunted for the first couple of weeks, I soon got the hang of it all.”
While many people may worry about making a switch from their current career to social care, Tricia says that she got plenty of support from Swanton.
Not only was there e-learning and training, but she shadowed her Swanton buddy Marion as she worked with the people supported in Murton Grange.
Tricia added: “Having Marion’s support was terrific, and all the Team Leaders here will help you if you need anything.
“I was able to see how well they look after the people we support and put them first every time.
“Shadowing Marion and doing my e-learning meant I had two weeks of intensive training that set me up well for the role.
“If I’m ever unsure about anything, I know I can go to anyone here to ask for guidance, which is really reassuring.”
Tricia’s journey is one that many people looking for a second career take at Swanton.
As a company, Swanton is committed to giving new recruits a chance to succeed in their roles.
Regional Director Dhiraj Rijhwani said that Tricia’s inspiring story is a great example of how Swanton can help people make a move into social care.
Dhiraj said: “Here at Swanton, we want to give people the opportunity to forge a fantastic career with us.
“Our buddy system gives new recruits solid support, and we know that shadow shifts really help them to get to grips with the role in a safe environment.
“We have an excellent Learning & Development department to support their induction into the role.
“Better yet, we have so many opportunities for career progression, so if people are interested in moving up the ladder, we’ll support them.
“If you want to achieve academic qualifications, we can help facilitate you in doing NVQs in a range of different subjects. Your success is our success.”
For Tricia, it’s been a lifechanging few months since joining Swanton.
She says that she’s never been happier and intends to spend the rest of her career working with the people supported at Murton Grange.
Tricia said: “I won’t be going anywhere else because this is the job for me.
“I feel very protective of the people we support, and it means a lot to make a difference in their lives.
“I love the fact my job involves taking them out for activities, supporting them to live well and doing so many different things.
“I no longer wake up full of anxiety about the day ahead – I’ve finally found my purpose.”
