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Meet Jon – Support Worker
Jon is a Support Worker based in Didcot, Oxfordshire, where he is part of a team of permanent and bank staff supporting four people with complex needs. Jon joined Affinity Trust in 2016.
Why did you join Affinity Trust?
I wanted a change of career and liked the sound of being a support worker. I wasn’t sure how I’d find it, but liked it pretty quickly and got into the flow of it.
What did you do before?
I used to work in a stationery shop but found it monotonous after a bit. After being there a few years, I wanted a change. My mum works in social care so I started applying for jobs like that.
What does your work involve?
As well as the fun aspects like day trips, I make sure all health needs and appointments are met. There’s paperwork to be done, and I support people with medication.
I work in shifts, including some overnight shifts. Our service is ‘waking nights’, which means that some of the people we work with may need support during the night.
The people we support’s needs can change, for instance due to illness. Or they may bounce back from a bad phase, ready for their normal routines or new experiences.
What do you enjoy most?
My role is different all the time. Going out with the people I support is great. We do that most days. This includes things like personal shopping, music therapy and karaoke. But I’ve also gone on boat rides, train trips, and to the cinema – supporting people to do things they appreciate and enjoy.
What would you say to someone considering a career as a support worker?
To someone considering being a support worker, I’d say it’s great for patient people who want to assist and benefit people in little or big ways. It’s nice to feel you’re enabling people to do things, and it’s also nice for them to have familiar, friendly people to support them.
Read interviews with other staff