Lucy Wallace
I started work with Real Life Options in 2018 as an Administrator and Relief Support Worker. During my time as a Support Worker and Administrator, my Manager has always been supportive of the development of my role and the skills required to be successful. I have been allowed flexibility and been encouraged to express freely my ideas and most importantly the freedom to be passionate about what I do, both off-site when supporting and within the office when looking for new and innovative ways of making our services even more service specific. I work within a very supportive and passionate team of people who care and give everything they have on a daily basis to the organisation. I was looking for a new challenge when I joined Real Life Options and I have found this and more within my role.
Alan McGuffie
I have been working for 1st Homecare for the past nine years. During this period of time I have grown in admiration towards both my colleagues and the company as a whole. The role of Support Worker and carer is vitally important in today's ageing society, and 1st Homecare provide a service of professional and dedicated care and support to many who need our assistance. I am 68 years old this year and want to continue to work as a Support Worker for another ten years at least.
Michael McCully
I have worked for Real Life Options for roughly 10 months as a Support Worker. I heard about a possible vacancy through a friend who is also a Support Worker. I enjoy working with different people as each one has different needs. and presents different challenges. I also do outreach work with younger people which represents a different but enjoyable side to my role. I would recommend working for Real Life options yes. To me, it represents job satisfaction. Real Life options provides excellent training.
Tracy Connelly
I started work with Real Life Options in 1997 as a Support Worker, supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex support needs. By 1998 I was promoted to a Senior Support Worker and in 1999 we opened a new supported living service in Leeds for 3 ladies and I was promoted to the role of Service Manager. During my time as a support worker and a manager, the organisation were always keen to support me to develop my skills, knowledge and continuous professional development. I have always been fully supported, which has enabled me to complete a variety of studies. In 2003, I was promoted to temporary Area Manager and the following year to permanent Divisional Manager. I am currently working in the role of Regional Head of Operations. In this role I am responsible for supported living, outreach services and residential care homes across Yorkshire and Teesside. The organisation still have the same level of commitment to my continuous professional development that they had when I first started with them 22 years ago. I have recently completed a level 5 Advanced Professional Diploma in Positive Behaviour Support and a Postgraduate Certificate in Supporting Adults with Learning Disabilities who have complex support needs. When I started out in social care, I wasn’t looking for a career, I was just looking for a job that I loved and could make a difference to people’s lives. Real Life Options has given me the opportunity to craft an amazing career.