When Angela joined Caritas Care almost 10 years ago, she never imagined she would one day become Team Manager of our FX Learning Disability Service.

Today, after a decade of learning, development and support, she is leading the service she loves while helping shape its future.

Taking on a new challenge

Before joining Caritas Care, Angela worked in a care home supporting older people.

“I always went more to the nursing floor. I felt that was my niche.”

When she saw a Support Worker vacancy at Caritas Care, she was looking for something different.

“I’d never supported anyone with learning disabilities before, so I though, right, it’s a challenge.”

What stood out during her interview was the opportunity to learn new skills.

“When I spoke to the nurse, she explained how she would train me up to do the PEGs and tracheostomies and things like that, which I wasn’t able to do previously. That sold it for me.”

Growing through experience

Starting in a new sector felt daunting at first.

“When I did initially start, it was quite daunting. I’d never done it before.”

But with support from colleagues and specialist training, Angela quickly settled into her role.

“I felt like I’d been here forever and I had so much support, especially from the nurse.”

Just over a year after joining, an Assistant Manager position became available. Angela chose not to apply straight away.

“My thought was, I need to be able to work with every individual before I make that next step.”

She wanted to ensure she fully understood the needs of every person supported by the service and could confidently guide her colleagues.

About eight months later, having achieved that goal, the position came up again and she applied.

“I kind of made that my target. So I went for it. And I got it.”

Angela spent almost eight years as Assistant Manager, developing her leadership skills while remaining hands-on in supporting people.

“I absolutely loved the change in role where I could still be hands-on with the guys, but I could also plan the days out for them, find new sessions and build closer relationships with families and working professionals.”

Support every step of the way

Angela credits her development to the investment Caritas Care has made in her learning and progression.

“I’ve always felt listened to. I’ve always felt heard and I’ve always felt supported.”

Alongside specialist clinical training, Angela completed management development opportunities that helped prepare her for leadership.

“I did a management course about 18 months ago and that really opened my eyes. I thought, you know, I can do this.”

She is also currently working on her Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management.

“All that combined has kind of got me to where I am now.”

Angela also highlights the encouragement she has received from her manager.

“I’ve got a really good manager who has pushed me and encouraged me to be the best I can.”

Leading the FX Service

When the Team Manager role became available, Angela was ready for the next challenge.

“I’ve got ideas of how I want to change things. I want to implement new things. I want the FX to be bigger and better.”

She successfully secured the role and is now leading the service with the same passion that inspired her when she first joined.

What she loves most about FX

For Angela, the most rewarding part of the job has always been making a difference to people’s lives.

“It is about how fun we make the day, how you felt when you finish your shift knowing that you’ve given someone a day that they possibly wouldn’t have had.”

Today, what stands out most are the relationships built through the service.

“I think it’s the relationships that have been built overall with each individual, their families and other agencies are what stands out for me.”

She is particularly proud of the support provided to families.

“We do go above and beyond. We really help families where we can.”

Looking back with pride

Reflecting on her journey, Angela is proud of how far she has come.

“When I first started, I would never, ever have thought I’d be doing the manager’s job. I used to look at the manager and think, wow, that’s amazing what they do.”

For Angela, her progression shows what is possible with the right support, training and determination.

“The encouragement, guidance and training I’ve received have helped me grow in ways I hadn’t fully appreciated. Looking back, I can see how far I’ve come, and I’m really proud of that.”

Angela’s advice

For anyone considering a career with Caritas Care, her message is simple:

“Go for it.”

“You’ll find your niche here.”

“The support from my manager, senior leadership and the wider charity has been incredible, it really feels like one big family.”

“You have to give Caritas Care a chance.”

Pictured L to R: George, Angela and Albert