“You will make someone’s whole day, and I guarantee they will make yours!”
Louise Breen’s experience of care work began early, at age 11, when her mother became ill, causing her to spend time in and out of hospital. Her around-the-clock care requirements included personal care and emotional and morale support.
“Growing up I didn’t see my mum as any different to anyone else’s and I didn’t want her to miss out on anything because of her disability,” Louise says. “Ever since my mum got sick, and I realised I could help her even just a little, I knew I wanted to do the same for others.”
Louise knew she wanted to help people but was unsure which area of work to pursue as a career. “I was doing my GCSEs and going to college to do a Level 3 in Health and Social Care but had no idea what I wanted to do in the future,” she says.
Volunteering opened the door
When she saw a post appealing for volunteers from Positive Futures on Facebook, she decided to use the opportunity to see if social care was a good fit for her. “I had seen so many lovely stories from people using their services having the best time and just knew I had to apply.”
When she saw a post appealing for volunteers from Positive Futures on Facebook, she decided to use the opportunity to see if social care was a good fit for her. “I had seen so many lovely stories from people using their services having the best time and just knew I had to apply.”
Louise loved her time volunteering and was delighted that, in June 2020, Positive Futures ran a short story on her and other volunteers in celebration of Volunteers Week. In this piece, Louise recalls, the team commented on how much they loved her being there to help with activities. “It meant so much to me, hearing how much I was appreciated, and this feeling continues even to this day.”
Following a successful period as a volunteer for Positive Futures, Louise made the decision to pursue a more permanent role within the team. “The experience I got from volunteering had a massive effect on my decision to move to a professional social care role. I had also completed training modules such as Safeguarding Children, Dignity at Work, Moving and Handling and many more. I loved meeting people in services all over Northern Ireland. Hearing their experiences helped me learn even more.”
First steps on a career journey
Although she has gained experience with other types of care, Louise says she feels drawn to working with young people. “I really found my calling when I saw the kids I support smiling from ear to ear and having the best time – it really brightens up my day. My mum would tell me that I always came home bouncing with joy. No matter what is going on in my personal life, I always feel so much better after giving support. I have had many jobs, but have never experienced working in a team like this one. We support and encourage each other and learn together every day.”
Reflecting on the impact she can make as part of the Positive Futures team, Louise said, “Positive Futures truly transforms lives. I have seen many kids come in and out of the service and their growth is incredible. In our service, the positive changes we have on not only the child’s life, but their family’s too, is incredible. Children have come into the service without friends, and finding socialising with other children difficult, but today they are so excited to see their friends and have fun doing many activities they had never tried before.”
Now three years into her role as Community Worker, she highlights that there is no such thing as an average day. “No two days are ever the same, even if we are doing the same activity, it’s always a different experience with each child. My day is usually full of smiles and laughter no matter where we are or what we’re doing.”
More than just a job
Louise’s work is not just limited to the support she offers the young people she works with, she also plays an integral role within the family dynamic, acting as a crucial member of the support network around each young person, their carers and their family. “The connection I have with the families is just so lovely, knowing that they don’t have to worry when their whole world is with me because they know how much I care about them,” she says. “I always have time to talk to the family after support. Checking in with them really builds our relationship. I always feel part of the family, and there have been many jokes about me moving in!” she laughs.
To anyone considering a career in care, Louise encourages them to pursue volunteer opportunities first to get a flavour of the rewarding work included as a social care practitioner. “You will never know until you take that first step,” she says. “You will make someone’s whole day, and I guarantee they will make yours!”
Want to find out more about Louise’s story? Watch her video below.
Feeling inspired? Working together to change people’s lives… Make a difference by embarking on your journey into social care. For more information on how you can start your journey check out our A career in social care page or read more social care stories here.