Join a team which makes a difference in Lancashire: Rewarding career opportunities in care for 2024
Karen Elderton, from Lancaster, is celebrating her 20th year at Alternative Futures Group, a leading health and social care charity based across the North West.
She said: “I love looking after people, so this job is perfect for me. It sounds cheesy, but we’re just one big happy family. It doesn’t feel like work.”
Karen has supported Steven, 57, who has a learning disability and Susan, 62, who has a learning disability and bipolar disorder, for 19 years.
“My mum was a psychiatric nurse and I always knew I wanted to do something to help others. I joined Alternative Futures Group in 2003 and I’ve never wanted to leave.
“It’s so rewarding to know you’ve made a difference. When I first started looking after Steven, he wouldn’t even look you in the eye and didn’t trust anyone because of past negative experiences.
“Now we enjoy going out and doing all sorts – I take him swimming, cycling, dog walking along Morecambe promenade and to shows, which he loves. He has the confidence to do things like make his own meals and do his shopping which he would never have done before.
“Susan used to be a dancer, and one of our favourite things to do is put on some ballroom strictly music and she will teach us her moves. It melts your heart to see how far they have come and how your support has changed their life.”
Every day is different
Karen says the thing she loves most about the job is the relationships she’s formed and the variety of the role.
“Every day is different. I plan parties for Christmas, Easter, summer, Halloween – you name it – and a monthly karaoke afternoon where we can see colleagues and other people supported at AFG which is so much fun. I even convinced my sister to take up social work and she ended up working here for over 15 years. I can’t recommend it enough.”
Alternative Futures Group is an award-winning health and social care charity providing specialist support for more than 900 people with a learning disability or mental health condition, as well as other additional needs or conditions such as autism, acquired brain injury or a physical disability.
The charity is currently recruiting for a range of Support Worker roles across Lancashire and beyond, with flexible opportunities available immediately, including part-time, full-time, permanent or casual working.
Find roles that fit around your lifestyle by requesting a call back on this quick form or by browsing their current vacancies.