“The more you help others, the more happiness you receive.”
Joshua Naveen Chander’s journey to becoming a social care worker in Northern Ireland is one of resilience, faith, and a desire to make a difference. Joshua who is a trained social worker in his home country – India – with his family’s support and his belief in a higher calling, ventured to a new country to pursue his passion for helping others.
Joshua’s decision to move to Northern Ireland was rooted in what he describes as “a nudge of the heart.” Despite the challenges of relocating, including navigating new systems and leaving behind a stable job, Joshua embraced the move, drawn by the opportunity to provide better opportunities for his family and to continue his work in social care.
Currently working as a support worker with Positive Futures, Joshua’s role involves supporting adults with a learning disability to achieve as much independence as possible. Whether it’s managing their own finances, guiding them through daily activities, or supporting them in part-time jobs, Joshua’s work is defined by compassion and commitment.
He explains, “I see my role as making their moments cherishable. I can’t change their lives entirely, but I can help them create wonderful moments for themselves.
“Building rapport with each individual I support and gaining their trust brings me happiness and adds value to my position. This is a constant process that requires patience, attention and effort.”
This philosophy reflects the heart of Joshua’s work, whether it involves helping someone manage their medication or simply being a voice of encouragement.
Joshua’s journey has not been without its difficulties. Adapting to life in Northern Ireland came with mixed experiences. Whilst he was welcomed by many kind and supportive individuals, he also faced moments of exploitation and unfamiliarity with local processes. Yet, Joshua chooses to focus on the positives. “I believe this is a good place, and I focus on the good things,” he says, emphasising how these challenges have helped him grow wiser and stronger.
One of the most significant hurdles has been the separation from his family. His wife and children remain in India. Despite this, Joshua remains optimistic, confident that he made the right choice to come to Northern Ireland and work in social care.
Joshua attributes his success in social care to his belief in the power of service. “The more you help others, the more happiness you receive,” he says. His dedication to serving others stems from personal experiences of overcoming hardship and being on the receiving end of help when he needed it most. Now, he channels this gratitude into his work, creating meaningful connections with the people he supports.
Although Joshua is currently focused on his role as a support worker, he has not ruled out transitioning to a social worker role in the future. “Whether it is social care or social work, my heart remains the same. I want to work for someone who needs help,” he says. For now, he remains dedicated to his work, committed to making a difference in the lives of those he supports.
Joshua’s journey not only highlights the great contribution international workers make to health and social care services, but also underscores the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others.
As he continues his work, Joshua encourages others to consider a career in social care. “No matter where you are, you can help,” he says. For those looking for a fulfilling path, Joshua’s story is a testament to the power of following your heart and making a difference – one person at a time.
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.
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