Maisie’s story- The brave face of support work through the pandemic

"I love my job and can say I have gained far more from the people I support than I have ever given to them."

“Since October 2021 I have worked as a support worker for adults with disabilities and learning disabilities within Castle Douglas Community Support Services, and have several years of experience supporting adults with disabilities before this role.

My role as a support worker is something I take great pride in. Supporting people to fulfil their potential, keep in contact with their families, and live their lives to fullest is something I love being a part of. No two days are ever the same- the constant challenges during the pandemic have shown those us how adaptable we, and the people we support, can be. I feel extremely proud of how we have adapted to all the changes and completely taken them in our stride.

This job requires great amounts of empathy, patience, care, and respect- I’m sure if we are all honest, being a support worker isn’t always happiness and sunshine. It can be exhausting, frustrating, and at times, heart-breaking. For me, the most important part is that the good always hugely out-weighs the bad. I have never had a job before where I’ve laughed so much and come home each day with such a warm feeling in my heart.

Being able to help the people I support achieve the things that we all take for granted, like making a birthday card for a loved one, sending a text message, or supporting them out to an environment that makes them extremely anxious is like no other feeling. The most important things to me about my role is ensuring that the people I support are never defined by their disability, and are always seen, heard, listened to, and respected. The people we support are an inspiration and a pleasure to support each and every day. I love my job and can say I have gained far more from the people I support than I have ever given to them.”

End of document.

End of page.