Julia - Registered Manager

Where do you work?

I work at Woodlands which is a residential home for seven visually impaired adults with multiple disabilities, in Horley. We support people in their day to day living and promote independence; we spend a lot of time helping each person learn new skills, going out, visiting families and develop contacts in the community. 

The residents are very well know in the local shops, people recognise them in the street and stop and have a chat which is always nice. 

Tell us you career highlights?

I started as a Support Worker here at Woodlands in 2002. I had never done care work before, so it was completely new to me but as soon as I started I really enjoyed what I was doing.

I then enrolled on the SeeAbility Rehabilitation Programme which I thoroughly enjoyed and after completion I became a Rehabilitation Support Worker. After the training I greatly enjoyed teaching the skills I had learnt to the residents.

I was then promoted to Senior Support Worker, and found I enjoyed supporting the staff as well as the residents. I did this role and was promoted to Deputy Manager which I did for two and a half years. 

A few months ago my Manager was asked to take on another job internally away from Woodlands and so I stepped in to be the acting Manager. I then applied for the Managers post and after interviews have been appointed.

I know the residents and the service very well. Some residents have moved on to living independently but there are three residents who have been here since I started.

How do you feel about SeeAbility as an organisation?

I think SeeAbility is a very good organisation otherwise I would not be here eight years later and many people have been with SeeAbility for a lot longer which I think shows that it is a good organisation to work for. 

What was your expectation of your new Managers role?

At first I thought no I can’t do that, I don’t know how to do that. But having said that, now I am doing it I love it. I expected there to be lots of paperwork and above my head and it is not, I am enjoying the new experience and every week there is something new that I have to learn and do. 

I thought I have got nothing to lose but everything to gain. Which is what I am doing and is a very good experience.

What professional achievement are you most proud?

Many things. In particular supporting one resident to buy his own home and plan for the move. It is really nice to have a sense of achievement that you have actually helped someone take that step forward and then to see them develop. We have also had several residents that have moved to supported living and being part of that process is a lovely achievement too. 

"I just really like working for SeeAbility".