It was the feeling of being “stuck in a rut” that inspired Cardiff-based Sunshine Leon to take her first steps into a career in care.
At the time she was working in retail and, knowing her natural flair for supporting others, her friends gently encouraged her to apply.
After two years of working as a carer in a residential care home and on hearing about the extra support on offer with Helping Hands, Sunshine decided to join Cardiffs home care team. Today, she supervises and monitors the work of carers in and around the city. Here is her story so far.
Choosing a focus after university
After trying university and working for a period in a retail job, Sunshine realised that neither of them were right for her.
“I applied for a job as a carer in a residential home after everyone around me told me to go for it. So I did!” Sunshine explains. “Although I loved every minute of it and knew this was what I wanted to do, I didn’t feel I was supported in my role… I felt something was missing.”
Noticing the impact that quality care can have on families led Sunshine to apply to be a care assistant with Helping Hands. She was quite a ray of sunshine to the Cardiff branch, winning Carer of the Month on multiple occasions.
A promotion to Field Care Supervisor
It wasn’t long before Sunshine was promoted from care assistant to Field Care Supervisor. Today, she provides extra support to customers and carers across the city. The role involves regularly meeting with customers face-to-face and updating their support plans, together with supervising and supporting carers in Cardiff.
“No two days are the same,” Sunshine shares with enthusiasm. “I’m really enjoying my role so far. I still get to have that contact with the customers, which I love, as well as supporting the office with its daily running.”
Being a Field Care Supervisor allows Sunshine to help new and existing carers develop just as she has. She says that she “loves building a connection with carers and customers alike”, and uses her passion and enthusiasm to do so.
Sunshine says that her confidence has grown as a result of the support she’s received from the rest of her team, something that she feels incredibly grateful for.
“I would definitely say that my time at Helping Hands has opened my eyes to everything that’s needed to keep a customer happy in their own homes,” she says. “I’ve had a number of training opportunities which have been a major part of my new-found confidence.”
Sunshine’s advice about becoming a carer
When asked what advice Sunshine has to anyone thinking of becoming a carer, she replies – quite simply – “Just go for it!”
She adds, “There are so many opportunities that can come from being a carer. They not only enhance your professional development, but knowing you’ve helped someone gives you such a fulfilling feeling.
“Sometimes the little things you do as a carer are the ones that make the big difference. You can really make someone’s day.”
If you’re drawn to helping people on a one-to-one basis, then working as a care assistant could be for you. At Helping Hands, you can work as a care assistant, visiting customers just like Sunshine has, or take a job as a live-in carer.
Search and apply online for the many opportunities available across England and Wales. All you need is the desire to help others as we provide full carer training before you start.
