When she started her work placement with Sense Scotland, Sam didn’t think she’d still be there 20 years later. She cites the supportive learning environment and opportunity to progress as great reasons to join the team.

“I enjoyed my work placement so much that I applied to work on children’s holidays and got relief work, eventually securing a Support Worker role which were like ‘gold dust’ at the time.

The children’s holidays were amazing but exhausting! You learned so much about the children and young people because you were with them 24/7. You also got a good idea of what your colleagues were like in a holiday setting (so much so that I often go with on holiday with a work colleague!).

Over the years I was promoted to Team Leader, Service Manager and Registered Manager. After a time looking after children’s services, I moved to Blantyre Short Breaks, where I am now the Registered Manager.

Highlights for me were being among the first group of people to complete the Deafblind Diploma. Undertaking this course was a major achievement for me, and to be given this opportunity made be very proud to work where I do.

It also motivated me to complete a course at the University of Birmingham. I have attended various conferences, home and abroad, which have been fantastic learning experiences which I don’t think would have happened elsewhere.

These opportunities have been a really big thing and have had an impact on my career. But what has really shaped me is learning from the children and adults that I have supported.

One of the best things about working here is the people. It always is. I grew up with Sense Scotland – they’re like extended family.”

If it hadn’t been for his gran, Craig might never have made a career change which makes him “happy and fulfilled.”

“I had been working for a jewellers – finishing and polishing diamonds. As much as I enjoyed the job and was good at it, it was not fulfilling me,” said Craig, 30.

“I felt something was missing. That’s when I started to think about what other skills I have and what I like to do.

“A friend told me I’d be a good Support Worker, but I didn’t know what that involved. When she explained that it was about being caring, but also supporting someone to do what they want and be independent, I thought about my wee gran. How I like going for her messages, and spending time chatting.

“I looked up Sense Scotland, read some brilliant stories about their values and how they supported people and was successful with my application.

“From the moment I was introduced to the man I’d be supporting I thought: ‘This is different. This could be what I am looking for’. The training gave me massive confidence. It made me feel comfortable, like I was ready for this.

“It’s so much more than a care position. It’s supporting people to be their best. It is all about them.”

At the heart of the many things Craig does for the person he supports is ensuring that, although he has multiple needs, he is realising his full potential.

He needs help with personal care, household chores, shopping and organisational skills. And Craig supports him through his medical appointments, helping him to communicate.

“I don’t just go in and do everything for him,” adds Craig. “If he’s capable of doing something, I’m there to support that and make sure he can do stuff, and feel rewarded by that accomplishment.”

Over the course of the pandemic, Sense Scotland had to adapt their services. With many activities off limits, Craig found a way to maintain a familiar routine. He brought physical activities like circuit training, weights and dance into the home of the man he supports.

“We kept his structure to make sure it all wasn’t too much of a shock to the system,” says Craig. “The man I support loves a good dance, just like me. I’m always first up on the dance floor. He is bubbly and outgoing and so am I. He and I have a right good time with that.”

Craig says he and the person he supports learn from each other. Because English is not the man’s first language, Craig learns words and phrases from his mother tongue, which gives them both a sense of achievement.

“I can take that into my personal life and it makes me feel like a better person,” continued Craig.

“I love my job and I love supporting the man I support and learn a lot from him. Yes, it’s a rewarding job – but it’s so much more than that. Being able to understand things differently when you deal with people from all walks of life has made me more confident.

“It is so amazing to walk in someone else’s shoes. I can honestly say I’m happy and proud to be a man in care.”