“There’s very little that people can’t do”
For Thelma, social care has always been about opening doors. Whether it’s helping someone regain the freedom to drive, supporting a dream trip to Las Vegas, or finding creative ways to help people live more independently, she believes that the right support can transform lives. This belief has shaped her career, from supporting people on the frontline to leading a team as Deputy Manager at The Maples, a supported living service for adults with disabilities run by Threshold Services.
“Everything is adaptable. There’s very little that people can’t do because you can adapt to suit the person”, as Thelma notes. That approach sits central to everything Thelma does. It is not about focusing on limitations, but rather about understanding what matters to each person and then finding a way to make it possible.
Learning what independence means, and making things happen
One of the most important influences on Thelma’s practice came through her sister-in-law, Stacey, who has Down’s syndrome. Seeing how love and practical support shaped Stacey’s life changed Thelma’s view of independence. Stacey was never excluded from experiences. Instead, life was adapted so she could take part in everything from concerts to family holidays, even if that meant doing things a little differently along the way. Over time, Thelma has brought that perspective into residential care, mental health services and later supported living, where she saw how independence can grow when people are given the right support.
Some of Thelma’s most meaningful moments in her career have come from turning possibility into reality. One gentleman she supported had driven earlier in his life. As his mobility changed, he was no longer able to get into the vehicle and losing that independence had a significant impact on his well-being. Rather than accepting the outcome, Thelma worked alongside occupational therapists and an ergonomics team to explore alternatives. Together, they identified specialist equipment that had never been used in Northern Ireland. The result restored his independence, and, six years later, he is still able to drive using that adaptation.
Another moment that stands out for Thelma was whilst working as a Service Manager at Springfield Court; she supported a person to take a dream holiday to Las Vegas. She recalls, “She had the best time, the absolute best time. Without the support of the staff, and without the right practices in place, it would’ve never been able to happen. Getting all the right teams on board, and knowing who to contact, to find a way of making something work for that person is what it’s all about”. For Thelma, these experiences show what social care is truly about – working together to remove barriers so people can experience things that matter to them.
Growing through every opportunity
Thelma’s career progression has been shaped by a deep curiosity and a strong commitment to learning and development. Thelma began her career as a support worker in Springfield Court, a supported living unit consisting of 10 self-contained apartments. She moved into a team leader role within around a year, and later progressed into management, eventually becoming Deputy Manager at The Maples.
Her approach to learning has always been consistent and proactive, noting, “I was so interested in learning all the time. Even now, if there’s something to learn, I will be the first person to put my hand up and do it”.
That attitude was recognised early, with managers supporting her development and giving her opportunities to build experiences across different areas of the service before stepping into leadership. In her role as Deputy Manager, Thelma’s role includes care planning, working with families and professionals, managing rotas, supporting staff development, delivering training, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care is delivered, and far more.
Every day is different
Although Thelma’s role carries significant responsibility, it is the everyday human moments which carry the most gravity. At The Maples, she is often greeted before she reaches the office. Conversations begin in car windows, continue in corridors, and flow throughout the building long before the working day begins, setting a tone of warmth and familiarity. Thelma recollects, “This morning I pulled up outside work, and I was sitting in the car gathering my stuff. I had two different people, one at each window, asking me how I was. They were both talking at the same time, asking what I was doing. It’s so lovely”
On this day in particular, Thelma was supporting service users at hospital appointments, care reviews, communicating with families, and coordinating with external professionals. Naturally, the role requires organisation, flexibility, and strong relationships across many different teams.
A career that gives back
Thelma never expected to build a career like this when she first entered social care. She notes, “If I knew where I would be now, I don’t think I would have believed it because on my first day I was absolutely terrified”. What has kept her in the sector is the combination of support, opportunity and purpose. She works in an environment where guidance is always available and where learning is part of everyday practice. Thelma says, “I could ring any one of my colleagues now and say, ‘I have no idea what to do, I really need help’. There would be no judgement, and they would stop what they’re doing just to take the call and give you a bit of support”.
Her story is shaped by meaningful moments, whether that’s been helping someone regain independence, supporting a dream holiday, or sharing everyday conversations that bring joy and connection. Together, they show a career built on trust, compassion, and the belief that with the right support, people can live the lives they choose.
Take a deeper dive…You can hear more from Thelma and her work at Connected Health by watching the video below
Feeling inspired?
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