When Temitope Adeaga joined Innovate Trust in September 2022, she brought with her a wealth of experience from working with older people and young adults.
However, it was the unique culture and deep-rooted history of the organisation that truly shaped her mission: to make a personal difference in the lives of the people she supports.
Support work is often described as a high-pressure job. How do you manage that?
Temitope: Honestly, I’ve never felt stressed here, even though the work can be intense.
The support system is just that good.
I know that if I ever feel the weight of the job, there is a safety net there to catch me.
It allows me to focus on the individuals rather than worrying about being overwhelmed.
You had experience in youth work and caring for older people before joining Innovate Trust. How did that help you transition into your role here?
Temitope: It really helped me get a grip on how I work.
I was able to take what I’d learned in my previous roles and broaden my knowledge here.
It made the transition much smoother because I could relate my past experiences to the new challenges of community living.
What stood out to you during Innovate Trust’s training and induction process?
Temitope: The training was very inclusive and relatable. Because it was the tail-end of lockdown, I started with online modules before moving into the classroom. There were so many realistic videos and photos that helped everything click.
What really made an impression on me was the Values Training.
Learning about the history of Innovate Trust and Ely Hospital made me sit up and think. It’s a hard history, but it motivated me.
I told myself, “I’m here to make an impact and do my best.” It really opened my heart to the work.
What is the relationship like between colleagues and management at your service?
Temitope: My manager, Nic, is the best. She doesn’t just care about the work. She cares about us.
Nicola always checks in – asking about our personal lives, our families, and if we’re feeling stressed.
She knows that if we aren’t right, we cannot provide the best support for the guys.
The teamwork is top-notch, too. We learn from each other, talk through everything.
There is a real openness. Everyone does their bit to make the house run as well as it possibly can.
What do you find most rewarding about your day-to-day work?
Temitope: I love being able to support people to live the lives they want.
Whether that’s inside the house or out in the community, seeing them thrive and be active is what I enjoy most.
It’s about helping them achieve their own goals every day.
What advice would you give to a new starter who might be feeling a bit nervous?
Temitope: Just have confidence in yourself!
Every day is different—what you experience today might be totally different from tomorrow.
If you find something difficult, take a break. Excuse yourself, go for a walk, or have a cup of tea.
You will feel refreshed and ready to handle whatever comes next.
My biggest tip is to just be yourself.
Does Temitope’s story resonate with you?
If you are looking for a role where your values match your role, we want to hear from you!
