After making the move from hotel housekeeping into support work, Natalie Locke has spent a decade supporting people with learning disabilities to live the lives they choose.
During her time at Innovate Trust, Natalie has supported people with a wide range of needs and has seen first-hand the positive impact support work can have, not only on the people we support, but on Support Workers themselves.
We spoke to Natalie about her journey into support work, the training and support she received, and why she loves being part of the Innovate Trust community.
Tell us about your experience as a Support Worker
Natalie: I have worked with such a broad spectrum of people since [working at] Innovate Trust.
I have worked with people at risk of seizures, those who are non-verbal and require consistent specialised care, right through to those who are very independent, just needing support around their vulnerability and understanding.
I have worked with older people and individuals in their early 20’s.
It has been so varied, and I have enjoyed working with all of them.
How did you get into support work?
Natalie: My previous job was working as a Housekeeper in a hotel, so I had not done this type of work before.
A friend of mine was a Support Worker and she encouraged me to apply – and I love it.
Did you feel supported when you first started?
Natalie: The amount of training did scare me initially as it’s been so long since I was in school. But I took my time, worked through it all bit by bit.
I knew that I could ask my manager anything at anytime if I needed support.
When I was doing my QCF, I was able to complete parts of it while I was doing wake-ins on a night shift.
I could always ask my manager for help, but really, everyone in the office is so approachable, there was never a shortage of people to ask or support when needed.
What was the training and induction like for you?
Natalie: Most of the training I did was in person, [with] extra modules online.
I enjoyed the in person training more. It gave a chance to meet other people [that] started support work at the same time, because it really can be daunting at first.
It’s been nice to bump into people later on at activities and events that you take someone you are supporting to.
I think if I’d have done it all online, I think I would’ve struggled. I needed that in person training.
What is the best thing about being a Support Worker?
Natalie: I love going out, socialising, and being amazed at the opportunities that are out there for the people we support.
It’s such an added bonus taking people out to activities. It is great for us [Support Workers] too as you see colleagues you have not seen for a long time.
We are all part of a great community in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
You can guarantee you will always need to go early to any of Naomi’s activities, it’s always full!
There is so much [going] on, everyone loves it and everyone gets involved.
Has support work changed you as a person?
Natalie: It’s given me the confidence to offer my assistance to people who may be struggling out and about, to let them know I understand and am there if they need help.
I would never have had the confidence to do the before.
What has surprised you about Innovate Trust?
Natalie: Innovate Trust has impressed me so much. Rhondda Cynon Taf, Cardiff, and the Vale – I was surprised how wide an area our houses covered.
It’s nice how integrated the houses are into the area.
I discovered there was a house right behind [where I live]! It’s great when I get snowed in as I can walk to so many of our houses to cover shifts!
Interested in becoming a Support Worker?
Every day is different in support work. Whether you are looking for a complete career change or a role where you can make a real difference, support work offers the chance to help people live the lives they choose while developing your own skills and confidence.
