This week is #CarersWeek. Carers Week occurs annually, aiming to raise awareness of caring and highlight the challenges carers face throughout the UK – particularly unpaid carers.
Although, our carers are not unpaid, they go above and beyond for the young people we care for. Therefore, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to celebrate some of our wonderful residential care team.
Today we are celebrating Georgie Richards, Registered Manager of the Wheatlands. Having joined CCL in 2010, Georgie has worked in the care sector for over 11 years. Previously, she worked in a local shop where she would often help the elderly with their shopping. She enjoyed helping them, so went on to complete several work placements within elderly care. Working in care gave Georgie the realisation that the little things in life can make a big and positive difference to the lives of others – just being present, giving time, listening and communicating can go such a long way. Subsequently, Georgie completed college with a BTEC Diploma in Health and Social Care, joined CCL in October 2010 and hasn’t looked back since!
Georgie has fulfilled various roles across CCL and has worked in many of the schemes. Initially enrolling as a Support Worker at our Hall Bank Mews scheme, she then moved to Mayfield when it opened. With Mayfield being a brand new scheme, it gave Georgie invaluable experience – from getting to know the new residents to understanding the process behind new residents joining CCL. Suffice to say, Georgie clearly did an outstanding job, as 12 months later she recalled being called into Steve McGill’s office to be told she was being promoted to Deputy Manager of the Wheatlands!
Following Georgie’s promotion to the Wheatlands, she learned a great deal of knowledge and skills from Sandra Crump, who was Registered Manager at the time. Later along the road, Georgie was appointed Registered Manager of Kynaston Farm, where she completed Level 5 Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care. However, when Sandra’s role changed, Georgie moved back to fulfil her current role as Registered Manager of the Wheatlands.
When asking Georgie why she joined the care sector, she replied “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but knew I wanted to work with people. I have always liked helping people, even if it’s a small bit of positivity in someone’s day”.
We also asked what Georgie likes about working at CCL, she said “It’s like one big family”. She added “I like seeing people happy and the residents having new opportunities. Pre-COVID times, I can honestly say the guys have a better social life than anyone I know. I like seeing the residents happy and I like seeing the team happy – sometimes laughing is contagious! Like in all jobs, there are some really tough days, but together, with each other’s support, we overcome them”.
Well, what a lovely story! A huge thank you to Georgie for taking her time to discuss her career in care, and for helping us celebrate carers – I think we can all agree, they do a marvellous job.
Carers Week is the 14th- 20th June. To see how else you can get involved, follow the link: https://www.carersweek.org
Please note: some of these photos are pre-COVID.
