Living the Values - Kelly Dickinson, Senior Support Worker, Belong Atherton

We speak to Kelly Dickinson, Senior Support Worker on Tyldesley House at Belong Atherton. Kelly Dickinson joined Belong in 2014, working on the experience day team.
Can you tell us about your Belong journey, so far?
My first job at Belong involved taking care of our customers by providing enjoyable activities for them, both in and out of the village – anything that they wanted to do based on their interests. It was such a fun role! I’d been working as an assistant manager at a post office for 15 years when I decided I wanted change. After completing training as a teaching assistant, I found I could only work part-time and so I decided to look into care and adapt my knowledge and training to work with older people, instead.
I felt really inspired by colleagues and I wanted to develop my skills and knowledge, so I trained to become a support worker. Within two years, I’d progressed to a senior position, and I still get to be creative in my role, so it’s the best of both worlds.
What sort of things do you get up to each day?
I believe it’s important to provide a bright and pleasant environment for everyone and incorporate aspects of what each of our residents would have had in their own homes when they were growing up, as this really contributes to their wellbeing.
We also decorate the households for different activities and occasions. For Chinese New Year, I helped customers to make handmade lanterns and for one special lady, I made red voiles (thin curtains) to really make her feel at home. Recently, I’ve transformed the household’s balcony to a colourful setting for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Are there any challenges?
End of life care is particularly challenging; naturally, it can be difficult due to the relationships and bonds we build with customers and their families. In some ways, you all become one big family, so it’s hard to say goodbye.
What’s the best thing about your job?
We have a great team here – everyone is so supportive and we’re given the opportunity to input ideas, for example, fun things we can all share in. Each shift is finished with a smile and cuddle; we are truly a family and I feel honoured to be part of the team.
Pictured: Kelly with Graham, experience day customer