Time for a change

After 24 years in retail Donna Lewis got up one morning and decided she wasn’t enjoying her job any more, it was time for a change.

“I loved my job when it was about delivering the best customer service possible, because I found it rewarding” said Donna. “But when it became a conveyor belt, all about money, and getting people in and out as quickly as possible things changed.”

As a teenager, Donna had wanted to be an accountant but when she left school the shoe shop where she had a Saturday job offered her a fulltime post and that was it.

“I enjoyed sitting down with customers, particularly the elderly, understanding what they were after and making sure they got the best footwear possible,” said Donna. “I understood that getting to know clients is vital for home care support so I thought I could do that and applied.”

Within 18 months at Caremark Redcar and Cleveland Donna had completed training in mental health and gained her level 3 diploma in Health and Social Care and was promoted to Field Care Supervisor. In this role she oversees the running of our four supported living schemes for people with learning disabilities and autism.

“The training is excellent,” said Donna. “One of my clients has schizophrenia and I now have a better understanding of the condition and that helps to deliver better care – everything is about the client.”

Outside of work Donna enjoys swimming and going camping with her partner and young son. She says that now, unlike the final days in the shoe shop, she’s never sad to go back to work and has no regrets about her career change.

“To be a carer you have to want to be there because you love the job, not for the money,” said Donna. “I honestly feel even if I won the lottery I wouldn’t give up my job, I love it so much.”