When Dean joined National Care Group’s Endurance Care Worcestershire, he had been out of work for many years due to his commitments and devotion as a single dad to his children with complex needs.
During his interview, Dean expressed that he felt the time was right to bring his personal experiences to a social care role and was keen to make a positive impact on the lives of people with health and social care needs.
His passion for making a difference shone through immediately. It was clear to Kelly, Registered Manager at Endurance Care Worcestershire, that he would be the perfect fit for the role.
“During his interview, I knew Dean would do well due to how passionately he spoke about personal situations and managing them. I told him there and then that I would give him an opportunity within our team.”
Despite being initially very nervous about taking this career leap, Dean’s colleagues were extremely impressed with how fast he settled into his new role, whilst also managing his childcare commitments.
From the get-go, he was eager to get involved in the complex care needs and routines of the people we support, use his initiative to develop relationships with them and empower them to achieve their full potential.
It was immediately clear that all the people we support took to Dean and liked his calming influence, sense of humour, and caring nature.
Dean is quiet and shy but over the months, he grew in confidence.
He completed his Care Certificate with flying colours, and with his knowledge from personal experiences and passion for the role has progressed and began acting as a shift leader regularly.
Within just a few months of starting his role, Dean began taking the lead in arranging engaging activities for the people we support, such as arts and crafts, and baking.
He also comes up with ideas to increase their access to the community and develop independent living skills.
Dean’s confidence to put forward ideas, commitment to upskilling, and dedication to making a positive impact on the people we support have been especially appreciated by colleagues.
Less than a year after joining Endurance Care, Dean was promoted to a senior role. Responsibilities include managing the team of support workers, leading by example, and planning rotas and shifts.
Dean’s progression and his passion for empowering the people we support haven’t gone unnoticed by the Endurance Care team.
A couple of months after starting his role, he was presented with an ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ by National Care Group.
Nominated by Kelly, she wanted to give recognition to Dean for being new to care and for the huge contribution he has made.
Our Outstanding Achievement Awards recognise colleagues that go above and beyond their roles to make amazing things happen for the people we support or their fellow team members.
“Everybody loves Dean! We were so impressed with how he seamlessly adapted to his new role. He is passionate, friendly, and a true natural!
“Dean has such a unique stance on things and provides real insight and understanding resulting in great ideas and approaches. It’s interesting to talk to him in-depth about positive behaviour support during challenging situations, or with new people I’m assessing as he is so keen to learn and input with such a positive outlook.
“Dean has found his calling working in social care. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him.”
National Care Group is proud to update this story with news that Dean was crowned Rising Star of the Year at its annual awards in June 2024.
Nominated by his colleagues and scored by senior managers plus guest judges, Stuart and Antony, people supported by Affinity Supporting People, Dean shone brightly and scored the winning vote.
National Care Group is one of the UK’s leading adult social care providers. We support adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries, and autistic people, with services across England and Wales.
Registered in England, Company No. 10080257
Registered office: Suite 22, The Globe Centre, St James Square, Accrington, BB5 0RE
