“Standing beside people as they go through life’s moments, that’s what social care is all about”
What started as a social care placement opportunity for Emmett McConomy over 30 years ago has become a lifelong commitment to supporting people through important moments of their lives. Emmett has worked across homelessness services, residential care and specialist deaf services, experiencing first-hand the difference a social care practitioner can make.
Discovering a different path
Before entering the social care sector, Emmett worked in the shirt factories of Derry/Londonderry. Unfortunately, the widespread closures in the 1980s and 1990s meant he had to seek new opportunities. It was then he completed a short placement working with homeless men in the Methodist Mission. This placement laid the foundation for a career in social care, turning into his first paid role in the sector.
Moving into social care immediately felt meaningful. Reflecting on his first impressions Emmett said, “It was the personal touch that stood out to me. Working in a factory is not the same as supporting someone and helping them reach goals. I enjoyed it so much, I’m still here a few decades later.”
That sense of connection became the driving force behind Emmett’s now life-long career as a social care practitioner. Working closely with people in nursing homes and residential settings, listening to their experiences and helping them navigate difficult periods, gives Emmett a sense of purpose. Community has always been important to Emmett. He believes that kindness is one of the most important qualities anyone can bring into social care. “It’s not hard to be kind, and it’s not that hard to be nice. People are so often overlooked, but taking the time to sit down and have a chat can mean so much.”
Listening and learning
Speaking of his first role supporting homeless men who had experienced prison, mental health challenges and learning disabilities, Emmett remembers being struck by their resilience. Those experiences taught him one of the most important lessons in social care – listening matters. “The guys I met had hit rock bottom, but they had so many stories. Some had been halfway around the world. It was just nice to be there, listen to them, and let them express themselves. The people themselves have the answers, and they know what they need. Sometimes it’s just about being there and gently guiding them towards the right help,” Emmett said.
Today, he is a Service Manager with Positive Futures, leading a supported living service for profoundly deaf adults. Although he had care experience, he had no knowledge of sign language before working with the deaf community. Instead of seeing that as a barrier, he embraced it as an opportunity to learn. “The language is beautiful. Sometimes I got things wrong, or miscommunicated, but that was all part of the learning. The more I learned, the more I could build trust and meaningful relationships,” Emmett explains.
Supporting individuals through life’s challenges
Over the years, Emmett has supported people through life-changing experiences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he and his team supported two deaf men through cancer diagnoses and treatment. For him, the experience highlighted the importance of person-centred care and advocacy. “We never made false promises because we didn’t know what the outcome was going to be. We just said, ‘We’re here with you, and we’ll ensure you get the best treatment available’. To see everyone rally around them was amazing. That, to me, is what the support worker’s role is – standing beside people through those moments”, Emmett reflects. He recalls seeing healthcare professionals, interpreters, and support staff all working together to ensure the men felt supported throughout their treatment.
Small moments with a lasting impact
While some people assume social care is mainly about practical support, the reality is far broader and more personal. No two days are the same. One day may involve supporting someone through a medical appointment, while another may involve building a relationship through sharing a coffee and conversation. Each moment can have a lasting effect.
“One gentleman I supported casually mentioned over coffee that his eyesight had deteriorated, and he could no longer read the newspaper. A couple of phone calls later, he got an optician appointment and was prescribed glasses. It changed his quality of life. Even something as simple as that can be life-changing.”
Throughout his career, Emmett has seen social care evolve rapidly, with an increasing focus on independence and person-centred support. Many of the people Emmett has supported over the years have gone on to live more independent lives, and for Emmett, witnessing that progress has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.
Making a small difference every day
Despite the challenges that can come with the profession, Emmett says the long-term effect of social care is what motivates him. “For me it’s about making that little bit of difference. Sometimes it’s difficult to see the progression that people make, because they are such small steps that are part of a longer journey. But if you look back, you can absolutely measure the difference that you are making.”
For anyone considering a career in social care, he says, “Volunteer first. Reach out to organisations and see if it’s for you.” Emmett believes social care offers something many careers cannot, the opportunity to make a genuine difference to someone’s life. “You can, and you will make a difference with the right attitude and resilience”.
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 Interested in becoming a social care practitioner? page or read more social care stories here.