Ashley Williams

08/01/21

Leanne is part of the team at Livability Aberystwyth, as enabling support worker. She tells us why enabling is more than just a word in her job title.

How did you come to work for Livability?

My sister forwarded a link for the job advertisement because she thought it would be something I would be good at.

Had you worked in the care sector before and if so, doing what?

This is my first role in the care sector. Previously I had worked in the hospitality and catering industry.

What does your job involve?

I work in two residential houses, supporting seven adults with learning disabilities. I support them with their day-to-day tasks and activities. This varies from administering their medication, laundry, cooking, finding jobs in the community and helping to organise trips away. Currently due to Covid-19 regulations, activities are restricted to the home environment.

What do you love about your job and what do you find the most rewarding?

Every day is different and offers a new challenge. Helping the people we support to live a fulfilling and happy life is the most rewarding part of the job.

One of Livability’s core values is ‘enabling’. Why is that important in the work you do?

In ‘normal’ times, our support as staff means the people we care for can have a wide range of hobbies and activities that enable them to be part of the community. This usually includes part-time jobs where they earn a wage, voluntary placements, pottery classes, dog walking, cinema trips etc.

These roles and activities give the people we support a place in the community, and that brings a sense of belonging, self-confidence and enjoyment. With current restrictions in place, we are keeping all in contact with friends and family and encouraging activities and tasks in the home.

What do you think your service does particularly well?

Currently, coping with the demands of Covid-19 has been particularly challenging. The service has coped exceptionally well with no positive cases to date. All staff have worked hard to maintain morale and find activities for the people we support, as well as keeping them safe and well.

What makes Livability a good care provider to work for? 

Livability values its staff and gives the opportunity for progression and training. Having other locations in the UK gives the opportunity to relocate if vacancies are available.

Leanne, Enabling Support Worker