22/08/2022
🫶🏻the truth about being a support worker🫶🏻
I’m Rach- I’m 22 and I’m an Autism specialist support worker.
-
I have dedicated my short working career since studying art & design to working with people with disabilities. In this time I have learnt ALL SORTS! From the art of Makaton to the intimacy of personal care. I’ve cared for many different kinds of people, To name a few of the disabilities I have worked with: Angelman Syndrome, Down Syndrome, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, ADHD, Prada-Willi Syndrome, global learning delay, dementia and many more. Each person I have worked alongside presents their disability individually, uniquely and beautifully. It’s an honour to spend time with each of these people who I’ve had the privilege of calling my friends. I take every moment with these individuals as a learning experience for myself but always ensuring their dignity and happiness is always at the forefront of my mind.
-
This job isn’t all rainbows and butterflies; it takes it’s toll. Especially when you experience loss of those you are caring for, are physically hurt by those you care for and/or are working in an environment you don’t agree with. Support working is mentally and physically exhausting, the hours and long and usually don’t include breaks. Support work can be graphic, it can be extremely sad but paired with this are the most amazing, fun and happy moments you might ever experience! The care world is a crazy place and it takes a certain kind of person to power on through, I’ve worked alongside some interesting individuals but I’ve learnt that taking a step back and standing up for what you believe is right in the best interest of those you are caring for, ALWAYS works out best. I will never settle for anything less than whats absolute diamond best for my people!
-
Working with disabilities helped me through heartbreak and my own battles with mental health. Often what seems so huge in my life is actually minuscule in comparison to what my people face day to day. There is beauty is darkness. And if I’ve learnt one thing through all of this - it’s to be my own, beautifully, unique self.
Rach x
