This month we have been chatting to Josh who is both a Care and Support Worker for Cream Health Care and works and lives near Walsall. Josh has been working with us for the last 18 months and we are privileged to have him as a member of the Cream Team. Josh is reliable, dedicated and passionate about social care. He actively gives all he cares for a voice and loves nothing more than supporting others to live a rewarding life.
Angela has had a very open and honest chat with Josh about why Josh got into care, what it’s been like to work in social care during the pandemic, and what it’s like to be part of the Cream Team.
“I got into care because of a personal battle with my mental health. I lived in mental health supported living and didn’t have the best experience. I was treated badly but no one believed me, they just kept putting it down to my mental health. This experience helped me to become a care advocate. I will always help to give residents a voice and I want to help others with their everyday lives. It makes me happy and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Josh has been block booked regularly over the last few months at just one home with regular hours, Angela asked Josh what it’s been like working in social care during COVID-19 and whether he has had his COVID-19 vaccination yet.
“At first it was really scary, I was worried about my family and friends. But when I started my shifts, all the homes made me feel really comfortable and safe. I still take all the precautions but I no longer feel worried about going to work because I know the clients need me. The communication and support from Cream throughout the pandemic has been great. I liked how you helped me get tested every week, it gave me the confidence to do my job.”
“At first, I didn’t want the jab but after thinking about it, I realised that I had a duty of care to keep my clients and my family safe. I am really glad that I have had it now and I am really thankful to Cream for helping me book the jab. The whole process was really easy and there was no pressure to book the vaccine from you but the information was available when I needed it.”
Finally, Angela wanted to know how Josh finds being part of the Cream Team.
“It’s the best opportunity I’ve ever had! I struggled to keep a job long term because of my mental health which can sometimes make me feel unwanted and pressured, but I have found the opposite at Cream. All the staff are friendly, they make me feel appreciated and I now have a good work/life balance."
“There is never a moment where I have not felt supported. I like that I receive reminder texts about the shifts I have booked and I love it when I get positive feedback from the homes I support, it gives me a nice confidence boost.”
“The hours are perfect for me too. If I want more hours I can have them but right now I work part time which is what I need at the moment. I find Cream offers me a truly person centred working experience and I love how flexible you allow me to be. If I want to reduce my hours, I can and when I want to work more, I can. I know that if I ever need to take a break from work then Cream will support me in doing so.”
“I don’t have a favourite home, I enjoy going anywhere Cream sends me however I know that if, for whatever reason, I didn’t like a home, I could be open and honest with the office without prejudice and they wouldn’t send me back there.”
Thank you Josh for your open and honest responses and for being such a valued member of the Cream Team. We are so pleased that you love working with us.