Tag: Career

I’m a support worker at Options. I have a wide range of hobbies and interests, including photography, karaoke, writing poetry, litter picking, and generally keeping busy. I’m also a huge fan of Kevin Keegan and Liverpool, and I even have a mural of Jürgen Klopp on the side of my house!

In my role, I support two girls who I absolutely adore. I help them to be the best they can be and to enjoy their lives to the fullest. As a support worker, I wear many hats – I’m a mother, friend, counsellor, teacher, comedian, and advisor. Every day is different, bringing new challenges and rewards.

Before joining Options, I spent over 30 years in retail, with the last six years as a senior manager. When the chain I worked for started shutting down shops, I knew it was time for a career change. My cousin, who worked for Options, always spoke highly of her job and encouraged me to give it a try. Although I had no formal experience in the caring profession, I had cared for my mum since I was a little girl and regularly spent time with my cousins who had Down syndrome. With this life experience and the training I received at Options, I quickly gained confidence in my new role.

I love working for Options because the organisation truly strives to do the best for the people we support. I’ve always had the support I needed when I needed it. There have been so many memorable days in my career at Options – helping a person we support ride a bus for the first time, supporting people on holidays, assisting in a wedding proposal, and organising a carol service. Recently, I was involved in a Christmas pantomime, and seeing the joy and excitement on the faces of the people we support was priceless. The hard work put in by everyone made the event truly amazing.

“I support people through daily support, organising memorable events, and by simply being there for them in various roles. The joy and satisfaction I see in the people I support make every day rewarding and inspiring.”

My name is Joe, and I am a Team Leader at Options. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me somewhere with a good book, good coffee, and writing my thesis! If I’m not doing this, I’m probably playing guitar or watching a film. I’ve recently taken up painting, too.

As a Team Leader at Options, I support people we support to make sure they are happy, living their best lives, exploring their own interests and creating new memories through new experiences. I work directly with people we support and support them day-to-day at home and in the community, whether this is to the local shops or to health appointments. I work regularly in One-to-One and team meetings, with a team of support workers to both ensure positive outcomes for the person we support and to ensure that staff are happy with and supported in their roles.

What I like about Options is that their person-centred approach is truly person-centred and applies to everyone. It’s great to feel supported and welcome in a community of people that are so dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to dismantle the barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

My most memorable day at Options was when I supported a person we support to go rock climbing for the first time. He was initially very nervous to try it but managed with gentle encouragement to reach the top. He was so happy to have done it that he spent the rest of the day singing all of his favourite songs!

“Options’ person-centred approach truly empowers people to overcome barriers and reach their full potential, making every day a rewarding experience.”

I’m Liam Ellis, and I work as a Support Worker at Options. I love the outdoors, fitness, and long-distance running. I’ve been with Options for nearly three years now. My journey into social care started with supporting my own family members, which inspired me to look for a job where I could help others.

I joined Options because I wanted to support people with disabilities to live their lives to the full. I strongly believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the same quality of life.

A typical day for me can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. I’ve been supporting Peter since I started at Options, helping him get out into the community and stay active through walking and running. We share a love for sports which has made our partnership a great match.

Working at Options is very fulfilling for me. Options celebrates diversity, and everyone is valued for their unique selves. The flexible hours also allow me to balance my work with my personal lifestyle.

I always encourage the people I support to join in on the inclusion activities that Options offers, like trips to Snowdon and Blackpool. These activities are great for socialising and community engagement, it’s great to see people we support enjoying themselves and trying new experiences.

One of my most memorable moments was completing a tunnel run with Peter. A week before, I had participated in a run in London, and we trained together for Peter’s event. Seeing Peter’s joy and his mother’s pride at the finish line was a fantastic and heartwarming moment for me.

Training with Peter has not only boosted his mental health but has also reinforced the importance of physical activity in general. I find great satisfaction in seeing the positive impact of our training sessions on Peter’s well-being.

I’m proud to be part of Options and to contribute to promoting an active and inclusive lifestyle for the people I support. Working as a support worker has been incredibly rewarding and inspiring.

“I find fulfillment in helping people with disabilities live their lives to the full through community engagement, active lifestyles, and inclusive activities, all while balancing my passion for the outdoors and fitness”