Over 36,000 social care workers are making a difference in people’s lives across Northern Ireland. We are sharing their stories and shining a light on the men and women who dedicate themselves to social care. They believe in better. They believe in making a difference.
Our series of short films and photographs tell the stories of our social care workforce during the Covid-19 pandemic and through to today. Watch their inspirational journeys for an insight into a rewarding and fulfilling career.
36,000
Social Care – making a difference in people’s lives, every day
Social care workers are individuals who help to support, care for, protect and empower people to live as well and as independently as possible. They deliver a range of practical help and emotional support to individuals, families and communities. Working in social care requires staff to be compassionate, kind and skilled in delivering a quality service to the people being supported.
Our registered social care workforce is the largest within the Health and Social Care sector.
Watch our short films
Doing What You Enjoy
Gina is a support worker. During her weekly visits with Errol, she encourages him to get out of the house and do the things he enjoys most. For Gina, the reward of being a care worker is seeing the enjoyment in the faces of the people she cares for.
Runtime: 3m 56s Starring: Gina Brown & Errol
Career Change
After being made redundant from her retail job, just before her 60th birthday, Bernie grasped the opportunity to fulfil her lifetime dream of becoming a social care worker.
Runtime: 3m 53s Starring: Bernie McErlean & Freda
A Philosophy of Caring
When Rachel left university, she wanted to make a difference in the world. She achieved that by becoming a support worker for L’Arche Belfast, where she helps people live their lives to the full.
Runtime: 3m 53s Starring: Rachael Mackarel & Thomas
Going The Extra Mile
Kelly is a Community Bridge Builder with local mental health charity Mindwise. During the pandemic she has been helping keep people connected by delivering resource packs for a range of art and craft activities online.
Runtime: 3m 46s Starring: Kelly Mitchell
Retail to Care
Stephanie worked as a deli assistant before a career change led her to social care – she believes there is no other job that is as fulfilling as a social care worker.
Runtime: 4m 49s Starring: Stephanie McAleese
Home from Home
Julie is a Support Worker for the Cedar Foundation and works at Karuna, a 10 bedded unit in Carrickfergus supporting adults with learning difficulties to live independently and well. For Julie it’s like her second family and she loves her job.
Runtime: 3m 37s Starring: Julie Kuchocha
Homemaker
Part of a dream team duo at the Simon Community, Melissa along with her colleague Christina is helping change lives by finding homes for those who need it.
Runtime: 3m 59s Starring: Melissa Mallon & Christina Slevin
You Can Do it
Described as a magical place, Andrea believes the residents at Camphill, Mourne Grange are just an extension of her own family.
Runtime: 3m 34s Starring: Andrea Sloan
Hospitality to Care
With his caring nature, Okan has a deep affinity and bond with the people from Parkmanor Oaks Care Home that dates back to his childhood in Turkey.
Runtime: 3m 51s Starring: Tony McNally & Okan Ozel