I went into the nursing profession, specialising in learning disability and then later mental health.

Prior to leaving school I used to volunteer at a local school and used to support a girl during swimming lessons. She was petrified of the water and felt that she would drown. she could not put her face in the water, and refused to take her feet off the ground. She discovered that by my holding her and lying on her back she could float. She progressed to swimming independently like a fish, but on her back. As a 16 year old that achievement in helping her over come her fears and giving her confidence had a profound effect on me. I knew from the off that i didnt want to be a adult nurse, due to negative memories as a child.

I had a vast and varied career, from training in an institutional environment, to supporting in the transition into living in the community. I completed aditional training and qualified as RMN to add to my RNMH. I worked in community forensic,and a also challenging behaviour. For the last six years i've worked in respite, which was an area i loved. Sadly staff were reconfigured last year, and had to apply for their jobs. The whole process was an awful stressful experience. After 34 years I left with my dignity intact and an orchid plant.

I now work when I wish as a relief support worker in a local learning disabiliity home. I am proud that i can help provide a good quality of care, and support the people I care for, and not get embroilled in any politics. The organisation actually cares about the staff who work for them, and everyone seems to take a pride in what they achieve.