Support Worker role gives Chloe work-life balance
Chloe Gale began her career in care after looking after her nan during an illness, during which she discovered a deep sense of satisfaction in helping others. She had studied Public Services in college and initially hoped to join the army, but when she didn’t meet the health criteria, she embarked on domiciliary care. She worked in this field for four years before moving into a nursing home specialising in dementia care. Here, she became a qualified nursing practitioner, gaining experience with procedures like drawing blood, injections, and managing PEG tubes and catheters. However, her most recent role on the nursing floor of a residential home left her with an appetite for a more positive work culture, prompting her to seek new opportunities.
When she heard about the opportunity to work with people with learning disabilities at the ECL Brentwood day centre, she was immediately interested. Chloe saw this as a chance to step away from elderly care and explore a new area of support work. Since joining ECL Brentwood in February 2024, she’s found great satisfaction in tailoring support to meet each customer’s unique needs.
One of her standout moments was creating a visual communication book for a non-verbal customer, using pictures that were meaningful and motivating to the customer, Chloe said: “I was delighted to receive a compliment from the customer’s family, who were grateful for the personalised support of their son.”
Chloe appreciates the environment at the day centre, where she can spend more time with customers and foster their development. She finds it rewarding to teach them practical skills, such as cooking independently using visual step-by-step instructions, which boosts their confidence and independence at the centre and at home.
The customers can achieve so much when you can give them time and attention to develop their skills, I get huge satisfaction from that.
The day centre setting has also allowed Chloe to achieve a better work-life balance compared to her previous role, giving her more time to spend with family and eliminating the long hours and weekend shifts she previously worked.
Chloe is passionate about the difference she makes in her customers' lives, from seeing them laugh to helping them integrate into the community. She also enjoys building relationships with carers and family members, ensuring their input is considered in their loved one’s care, she said: “it's important to put myself in their shoes, ask them how they're doing, and whether there’s any additional support, any future plans that we can help with?”
For Chloe, working at ECL is fulfilling not only because of the customer interaction but also due to the close-knit, supportive team she’s found. She values the trust and respect at ECL.
Looking ahead, Chloe is excited about the potential for career growth. Though she’s still learning, she’s completed her care certificate and plans to pursue NVQ Level 3, with ECL fully supporting her development. She’s grateful for the abundant training and shadowing opportunities she’s received, which have built her confidence.
The role of Support Worker in ECL day services offers genuine career progression opportunities. There are many different job roles within ECL, from clinical to administrative positions, providing ample opportunities for growth, and making it an excellent place for anyone with a passion for care, even those without prior experience.