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Meet Hemwatie – Support Worker

Hemwatie is a Support Worker in Loughborough. In 2019, after 30 years of continuous service supporting people with learning disabilities, she received an Affinity Trust long-service award.

What brought you to Affinity Trust?

At the very start of my career I was employed in various jobs in a hosiery factory.

I joined the NHS back in 1989, working at the Laurels at the Leicester Frith Hospital. In 1992, I applied for a night shift position as this suited my young family. I worked there for many years, relocating to the Herschel Prins Centre in Leicester (but keeping the name the Laurels) in 2009.

I transferred to Affinity Trust at the end of 2010, as the people I was supporting at the Herschel Prins Centre moved into the community. It was a slow process and a life-changing event for everyone involved. And a new adventure!

What does your current job involve?

I support nine people with learning disabilities who live in a purpose-built cluster of flats in Loughborough in Leicestershire. They have a range of needs. I support them with all their needs, including personal care. I usually work night shifts, but also work in the day if needed.

What do you like most about the role?

I like seeing improvements in the people we people we support – which can be little things. I love to see people becoming more independent.

How has your job changed?

I have seen lots of changes over the years – mental health awareness, legislation, human rights etc. Everyone’s more independent, and there’s more one-to-one support.

How did you feel when you heard you’d received a long-service award?

Shocked at first! And very flattered. I felt like all my hard work was appreciated. Leo [Leo Sowerby, Affinity Trust’s Chief Executive] rung and thanked me personally.

What did you spend your long-service voucher on?

I’ve spoiled myself with a little jewellery!

Contact us

Contact us

Head Office

Head Office
1 St Andrew's Court, Wellington Street, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3WT View Map
T: 01844 267800 F: 01844 267829 E: info@affinitytrust.org
Media enquiries to:
1 St. Andrew's Court, Wellington Street, Thame, Oxfordshire OX9 3WT
T: 07553 264 975 E: PressOffice@affinitytrust.org

Central England

Central - Divisional Office
Rowan Room, Acacia Room, BT Room, Poplar Room and Office Ground floor, National Training Centre 3 Gilmour Close Leicester LE4 1EZ View Map
T: 0116 236 3793 F: 0345 643 7094 E: infocentral@affinitytrust.org
Sheffield
For enquiries about Sheffield-based services
T: 07387 058 872 (9am-3.45pm Monday-Thursday only) E: infosheffield@affinitytrust.org

East England

East - Divisional Office
U18, South Fens Business Centre, Fenton Way, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6TT View Map
T: 01354 696009 F: 08456 437521 E: infoeast@affinitytrust.org
Enquiries for Norfolk and Suffolk should be directed to the Divisional Office.
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North England

North - Divisional Office
Unit 12, Curtis House Business Centre, Leeds, LS9 9LF View Map
T: 0113 468 4460 E: infonorth@affinitytrust.org
Bradford District Office
Unit 9 Parkview Court, St Paul's Road, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 3DZ View Map
T: 01274 533553 E: infoshipley@affinitytrust.org
West Midlands Office
Flat 7, Parry’s Court, Woodside Place, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 4AA View Map
T: 01543 578764

Positive Behaviour Support for children, young people and their families

Positive Behaviour Support
1 St. Andrew's Court Wellington Street, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 3WT View Map
T: 07341 478228 E: paultaylor@affinitytrust.org

Scotland

Scotland - Divisional Office
62 Viewfield Road, Ayr KA8 8HH View Map
T: 01292 436030 E: infoscotland@affinitytrust.org
Oban Office
First Floor, Glenshellach House, 7e Glengallan Road, Oban, PA34 4HG View Map
T: 01631 571311 F: 01631 566708 / 0872 111 4616 E: infoscotland@affinitytrust.org
Aberdeen Office
87a Urquhart Road, Aberdeen, AB24 5ND View Map
T: 01224 039264 E: infoscotland@affinitytrust.org
Isle of Bute Office
18 East Princes Street, Rothesay, Isle of Bute PA20 9DL View Map
T: 01700 500376 E: infoscotland@affinitytrust.org
Irvine office
Suites 2/1 and 2/2, Landek House, 44-46 Bank Street, Irvine KA12 0LP View Map
T: 01294 446600 E: infoscotland@affinitytrust.org

South & South West

South - Divisional Office
Suites 53-55, Aldershot Enterprise Centre, Mandora House, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 2PW View Map
T: 01252 311188 F: 01252 311170 E: infosouth@affinitytrust.org
Somerset Office
Mendip Court, Bath Road, Wells, Somerset BA5 3DG View Map
T: 01749 605594 E: infosouth@affinitytrust.org

South East, Bedford and Northamptonshire

South East - Divisional Office
Suite 2+3, Henwood Pavilion, Henwood, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8DH View Map
T: 01233 665324 E: infosoutheast@affinitytrust.org

Specialist Support

Specialist Support
Head Office, 1 St Andrew's Court, Wellington Street, Thame View Map
T: 01844 267800 F: 01844 267049 E: info@affinitytrust.org