Tell us about your job working in care? What’s your typical day/week?
I support the siblings of the children and young people with life-limiting conditions that use Children’s Hospice South West and befriend them so they can talk openly about their worries or concerns.
No two days are the same so it’s tricky to say what a typical day looks like. The service is led by the siblings and what they would like to do. We can be playing hide-and-seek around Little Bridge House one minute, and then the next watching a film, baking, sticking and gluing, putting a show together, running around soft play, playing pool, having a game of bingo, sat exploring feelings and emotions or welcoming and saying hello to visitors like Santas on bikes, the police or Fire Brigade.
The aim of our support is to make the siblings feel special and have time devoted to them. A lot of our siblings are in a caring role so coming to Little Bridge House can give them a break from that.
What do you enjoy most about working at CHSW and/or in care?
I really enjoy interacting with families and spending time getting to know the siblings. They are all so different. Seeing the siblings grow and become amazing young people. I enjoy being in Messy Play, doodling.
I am often the Bingo caller on a Sunday which I thoroughly enjoy, seeing the children getting excited when they only have a couple of numbers left.
What motivated you to apply for your role?
I was at Little Bridge House on the Housekeeping Team, and I would often spend time with the siblings, I had done some bank shifts with the Sibling Team so when the job became available, I applied. I have studied counselling and wanted to be a good listener for the siblings.
What would you say are the skills you need to do your job? Have you learnt any new skills since being in post?
The skills needed for this post include empathy, compassion, being a good listener, ability to ask difficult questions and being flexible and able to adapt to any situation. Being up to date with Safeguarding Training.
A sense of humour and ability to have fun and laugh, especially at yourself, is essential.
Skills learnt while in post … well talking to our supporters has become a big part of the role - telling groups on tours what we do - this has built my confidence.
If you could do another job within CHSW for the day, what would it be?
I can’t pick just 1 job, I would like to spend a day with fundraising, a day in reception, a day in retail. Everything is so varied, and we need all these parts and more, to keep CHSW going.
How does it feel to be a part of the CHSW family?
My colleagues on the Siblings Team are amazing and we get on so well. The wider care team are also fab. One of the best things about being part of CHSW is working alongside a great and dedicated group of people.
I have just reached 20 years of service, so Little Bridge House really is like family, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Is there anything else you want to share with us?
I always feel lucky as I enter the grounds of Little Bridge House, it’s such a peaceful, beautiful place filled with love, joy and laughter.
Give us 3 words to describe CHSW...
Hug, Joy, Love.