'Bringing Our Stories to Life'
How do we make life happen - not only for the people we support - but for our employees too? Who better to tell their stories than some of the people we support and the staff who help them make their life happen.
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Imane and Peter
Imane, Peter’s support worker - I have worked with Peter since February 2017, I previously worked in care related positons but working with Peter has made me fall in love with the job again.
I love my job, how could I not? I come to work each day and I’m always greeted with the warming words “I missed you” even if I’ve been in the night before. Peter enjoys life no matter what his circumstances, he is a constant reminder to be grateful for what we have and we are blessed. He has taught me more about myself than I ever knew. I will always be grateful for him teaching me these valuable lessons. He honestly gives me as much as I give him. Best job in the world, best company to be working for while doing it!
Peter - I love being supported by Imane, we enjoy listening to the Beatles together, my favourite song is Hey Jude, I know Imane likes this song as well but I know she really prefers yellow submarine. I love it when we go on day trips together and really enjoy going on the train to Ilkley. We visit the local coffee shops together which is great because the people are really friendly.
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Gill and Janine
Gill - I love seeing Janine settled in her own home and her interaction with all aspects of housekeeping, I find it very rewarding to see Janine living independently. Since working for United Response I have gained confidence in supporting somebody who is less mobile and feel rewarded by seeing Janine happy.
Janine - Gill is nice and really good at cooking, I love her pizza! I like living on my own and feel more independent, I like taking part in the activities and adore my two cats. I loved having my pictures taken and liked the way people spoke to me I liked the way I was dressed as I bought a new top for the day. I loved being there with Gill
Mave and DB
Mave - I’ve supported DB to attend many demonstrations both locally and nationally. Recent demonstrations have included support for refugees, support for the NHS and a demonstration in response to Donald Trump’s immigration policies in the US.
What I enjoy most about supporting DB to demonstrations is witnessing DB’s passion and determination for a better and more compassionate world.
I began working with DB 17 years ago - it was my first job in support work. The job advert in a local newspaper which I responded to was written by DB himself and this is what initially caught my eye. Meeting DB for the first time instantly changed my view of support work. DB talked about his interests and his passion for making a positive difference to the world around him. During the first few days of me starting work, DB told me that he was specifically looking for a new worker with no previous experience as he wanted someone who he could train up/educate himself. If I did have preconceived idea about what support work was then DB quickly put that idea to the test!
One of the many things I love about my job is that each day I arrive on shift I only have a vague idea about what kind of day lies ahead. I love the spontaneity of the job.
DB - I like how Mave works and how he embraces the ‘social model of disability’ approach to his work with me. This is something really important to me.
Mave has always been very supportive with my passion for fighting for my rights by making sure I am able to take part in not only the demonstration itself but also planning them!
One of the funny things we both laugh at a lot is my bad sense of direction! Sometimes we might be out in Mave’s car and he asks me if we need to take a right or left turn and I usually direct us both in completely the wrong direction. I don’t do this on purpose of course!
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Natalie Café West
Natalie - Working at the Café has really helped me with my confidence. I love talking to my customers and getting them the drinks they want. I get to work on my money skills, making sure I give the customers they right change. I did a work placement in a bakery where I learnt how to make different cakes and biscuits. My support worker Michelle helped with measurements and understanding the recipe instructions. I had a really good time.
Debs - Natalie’s support worker was helping to film the photo shoot so I stepped in to have some photos taken with Natalie. Natalie really embraced having her photos taken and we had great fun using flour and scones in our photos. I loved being part of the day and genuinely had the best time with Natalie.
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Sarah's Story
"I love working for an employer who invests in my future"
I completed a degree in performing arts and events production at Teesside University and was successful at finding a position which I thought was my dream job. After a while I sadly realised the industry wasn’t for me. After that I worked in administration but I didn’t feel that the job was going anywhere
In 2015 I applied for a job at United Response and I’ve never looked back since!
Since starting working for United Response I have learnt so many new skills and now feel I have found a job that I could do forever.
United Response are now investing in my future by funding my CIPD qualification this will allow me to widen my knowledge further and advance my career.
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Ashlee's Story
"I love having a job that lets me juggle babies and business"
When I applied to work for United Response the role was full time. I was nervous about having the conversation about needing to work part time to fit around my family. I shouldn’t have worried as this didn’t cause a problem and United Response were more than happy to offer me flexible working hours.
My role allows me to be a success in business but also be a committed mum who is able to be there for those special occasions like a school play and sports day. United Response treat me with respect and know I am passionate about my work and will always complete the tasks needed to do my job efficiently.
Since joining United Response I am definitely less stressed and I have a lovely work life balance
Why Make Life Happen?
We are passionate about showing what a great place to work United Response can be. We wanted to find a way to capture why and we spoke to lots of our employees to find out.
They told us that there are many reasons they love working here – great colleagues, every day is different, the right training and support for development. But they told us loud and clear that the main reason they love working here is the chance to make a difference to the lives of the people they support.
Make life happen is what we do every day, in lots of different ways. We wanted to tell these amazing stories and show you, as a potential employee, how you can make life happen too.
"When I hear people say I hate my job, I just can’t relate, I love my job!"
Chloe support worker, Teddington
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