It’s day 5 of #YouCanCare week and the final day of CCL celebrating some of the wonderful team who have moved into the care sector. Today, we are celebrating two wonderful people: Jo Mear, Director of Care & Support and Adrian Evans, Support Worker.
Adrian Evans, Support Worker
Pictured is Adrian with Aaran having a lovely time! Adrian is a Support Worker at Mayfield House and has worked at CCL for 10 years. Over the years, Adrian has worked in many of our schemes and has also fulfilled the role of a Lead Support Worker. Prior to working in the care sector, Adrian was a builder. However, Adrian decided he fancied a change and wanted to give back to society, so applied for the role of a Support Worker at CCL. Over the years, Adrian has fulfilled other roles, but has always remained at CCL as a Bank Support Worker and is now full-time.
When speaking to Adrian about what he likes about his role he responded “All sorts, looking after the guys, taking them out on trips, promoting their independence. It’s a rewarding job.”. He also added “It’s important to do the best you can. I am very happy working at Condover!”.
A huge thank you to Adrian!
Jo Mear, Director of Care & Support
Pictured is Jo with Nabeel at the seaside, Naomi, Amy and Jo Lewis at a Race for Life event, and Sam at Worcester Warrior’s Rugby Club. Jo is CCL’s Director of Care & Support and has been with CCL since the very beginning in 2004. Jo has worked in the care sector for 26 years and has fulfilled many positions at CCL, including Deputy Manager, Team leader, Registered Manager, Head of Care and Director of Care & Support. Jo began her caring career in January 1995 when she joined RNIB’s Condover Hall School as a Support Worker. In 1999 she was transferred across to RNIB’s Condover Adult Education Centre and promoted to Deputy Manager. Then, in 2004 Steve McGill created Condover College and, subsequently, Jo moved across to CCL as a Deputy Manager and hasn’t looked back since!
Jo’s journey to the care sector is interesting and inspirational. Jo comes from a farming and care background, but was unsure of whether she wanted to follow the same path. When Jo was in school and college, she had a vision of becoming a social worker or a police officer, but in reality, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, so she decided to study business at college. Still unsure of what she wanted to do when she left college and wanting more time to contemplate it, she became a Secretary for a Managing Director of a children’s outdoor activities centre, which involved booking activity holidays for schools and groups of young people. During this role, she booked in groups of young people with learning disabilities and would interact with them regularly. Due to personal circumstances and family loss, Jo decided she did not want to be sat in an office anymore and wanted to do something where she could help and support others. In light of this, she left her secretary role in December 1994 with a view to start a fresh in the new year. Therefore, in January 1995 Jo looked around RNIB’s Condover Hall School, interacted with the young people and loved it! She finally knew what she wanted to do: care for people with learning disabilities.
When asking Jo what she loves about her job, she said “Every day is different. I love seeing our young people reach their dreams and aspirations. I really want the residents to be living in their homes and treated the way we would want to be”. She added “The last 12 months have been the most challenging of my career, but we have an excellent team, who have helped us through and makes us who we are.”.
Jo believes her success is partly due to her personal experience and background, which has meant she has been able to guide and support families through difficult times. She also gives credit to the late Steve McGill, who gave her the opportunity to be the person she is today. Also, Vikki Pryce who has supported her significantly over the years.
When talking to Jo about her role at CCL, you can truly tell she cares. Jo believes it’s all about making the guys smile, with every resident being truly unique and special. “I am a hands-on manager and won’t sit still until all of our houses have an outstanding CQC rating. I love seeing the guys smiling, taking them on holidays and taking pictures of them – I believe all Support Workers should be taking pictures of our guys, because every picture tells a story”. Jo also talks fondly of her care team, “I class us as one big family! My main aim is to obtain awards for the team, as they deserve it!”.
As if Jo’s dedication to her role wasn’t enough, she also loves to fundraise for CCL and played a huge part in raising funds for the hydro pool, which she cannot wait to see in full use! Not only does she always go above and beyond – inspiring others and rising to new challenges, but she encourages the residents to try new experiences, take part in the community and be the best version of themselves they can be.
In addition to being CCL’s Director of Care & Support, she also now cares for Longhorn cattle! It’s definitely true when she says she can’t sit still!
Ultimately, her career goal is to make a difference to the people who she supports, encouraging them to have fun, enjoy life and reach their personal aspirations. We would say she has certainly made a good job of reaching this goal!
Jo Mear, a genuine super-hero and an asset to CCL. She truly is one in a million!
A huge thank you to Jo!
Please note: the pictures were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
