Romeo’s Story
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Case Studies
Case study: Romeo, Support Worker
I was working at Heathrow airport for 20 years in a totally different role. Before the lockdowns I was a VIP lounge host.
Because of the pandemic and changes to travel I took the time to study for my Level 2 Health and Social Care qualification. I wanted to have a focus in the lockdown, but also, because it was a different type of job I wanted to have some background knowledge before I took on a support worker role. Before I’d even finished, my tutor was helping me to look for a job.
I like making a difference to people’s lives. I’d gained some experience caring for my mother who lives with me, so I was confident that I could do this kind of work and find it rewarding.
“I wanted a job with an organisation that gives me security and supports me, so that I could stay for a long time.”
I’ve been in this job now for nearly three years. We support people with respite care. My favourite part of the role is gaining the trust from a person you support and building engagement with them - supporting people to feel more confident in themselves. This is what I got recognition for at our awards ceremony last year when I won the ‘We make a difference - Colleague Award’. I really wasn’t expecting it. I said to my manager “You’ve got the wrong person, we have worked as a team”. I did try my best. And I do enjoy working with people, helping them transition to the next steps in their life. I like hearing from my manager news of how people are getting on, hearing that they’re happy and enjoying life. That makes me feel proud.
“This is my passion really; I enjoy how I interact with the people we support - it is really rewarding, and I couldn’t ask for a better job or organisation that will support me to grow in my career.”
My manager’s supportive and understanding, and my colleagues are always there to assist me in any difficult situation or challenges. They’re very flexible. For instance, there have been times when I need to support my mother with a medical appointment and my manager gave me the flexibility and made sure that everything was OK.
I appreciate that the time is given to us to do training too. It’s useful because you never know when you’re going to need it. And it’s helpful for our career progression too. It’s a privilege to work for Certitude.
