Matthew has been a Support Worker for the trust for seven years-

Why did you decide to join the trust as a Support Worker?

I wanted to work in a job where I was doing something positive for a living rather than continually working for companies where the relentless pursuit of profit was all that mattered.

What are your favourite parts of the job?

Making things happen for our tenants, whether that’s solving day to day problems like going to appointments, getting touch with someone, going swimming, helping them cook something new they want to try or helping them get online for the first time. It’s about using your life skills to make the world more accessible and making things possible

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Support Worker?

If you believe passionately in the rights of others and would like to do a job that means something, what are you doing looking at that clock?

If you are interested in joining Wilberforce Trust and making a difference to peoples lives then click here to see what vacancies we have.

There is no such thing as a typical day in support work.  Every single day is as different as each individual tenant we support.  Each individual has independent needs to help them live the best way for them.  One day I could be in the service all day baking, then the next day I could be strolling around the town.  Another day we could be at the cinema or going to use the trampoline centre.  The constant I do have is doing personal care, this could be helping as much as just a prompt or shaving a tenant.

Evening meals are great times as I get the tenants to help prepare for the dinner using hand over hand, they love to be involved in cooking for their house-mates.

What’s the best thing about being a support worker?

My job is very rewarding and seeing my tenants happy and content shows I am supporting them to my best ability, supporting them to have as much independence as they need.  I love seeing them happy; this is what makes my day.

Which 3 words best describe your role?

Exhilarating, challenging, rewarding.

Thank you Lou Lou, not only for the interview but especially for your devotion and care to the clients you work with.

To find out more about joining our team as a Support Worker for the Wilberforce Trust and all our current vacancies see our Jobs & Careers page.