DARREN PROVES ADULT SOCIAL CARE IS A PROMISING PROFESSION

The regional health and social care sector is the focus of a drive spearheaded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to encourage more people to consider a career caring for others. One such person who has made this career choice is 27-year-old Darren Evason. He is an inspiring example of someone who is carving out a promising professional pathway in adult social care in our region.

A career in the adult social care sector is suited to people who want to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The job is about much more than helping clients take their medication or get washed and dressed. Professional adult social care workers are frontline staff who help adults live independently and safely whilst giving them choice and dignity. 

Qualifying as an adult social carer via an apprenticeship or other training route leads to rewarding roles supporting clients in residential homes, nursing homes, day centres, or other healthcare settings. While being a people person and having a caring nature are paramount, safeguarding expertise, the ability to work as part of a team, and accurate reporting skills are just some of the other skills needed to succeed. 

Rewarding role

Darren Evason has been a community support worker at Apollo Care in Bootle for two years. His role is to provide care and support to people in their homes so they remain independent and safe. It’s a vocation that he thoroughly enjoys, especially because he is making a difference in people’s lives.

School and college years

Darren finished his school years without achieving his English and Maths qualifications. Determined not to give up, he tried again to obtain these important certifications by attending college. However, he still couldn’t manage to succeed, so in the end, he stopped trying. It’s easy to see why: not being able to master something when you keep trying can really knock your confidence.

Darren felt his learning days were behind him, especially as far as maths and English were concerned. How wrong he was! He has recently become the proud holder of qualifications in both these subjects as part of a level 2 adult care worker apprenticeship! Darren’s employer, Apollo Care, encouraged him to enrol on the apprenticeship when he first joined the company and showed real promise. He undertook his apprenticeship training with Dianthas, a Liverpool City Region specialist adult and social care apprenticeship provider.

Living His Best Life

Darren worked hard, and his dedication resulted in him passing his apprenticeship. This achievement is down to a commitment to his chosen career and the encouragement he received from Caitlin, his manager at Apollo Care. He also had guidance and support every step of the way from his Dianthas coaches, Kimberley and Andy.

Thanks to structured mentoring from his employer and his training coaches during his apprenticeship, Darren grasped the importance of workplace skills such as punctuality, accountability and professionalism. The apprenticeship has allowed Darren to develop many skills, including maths and English, preparing him to carry out his professional role to a high standard. He can even confidently fill out forms as part of his job, something which had been a personal challenge before he did his apprenticeship.

Darren says

‘Apollo and Dianthas have always been on hand to guide me when I wasn’t sure about something, and my confidence and ability have grown. Now, I am living my best life and love my job. I have the best employer and get to make a difference in the lives of the people I support. The apprenticeship has increased my skills. The support I now provide to my service users is excellent and always high quality. Even my manager has said my records are good!’

Aspirational

Care work should be aspirational, and Darren brings this to life in his daily work. His coach, Kimberley, said:

‘Darren’s competence has grown immensely. He is a credit to the profession and himself. There were a couple of bumps along the way, but his dedication was infectious! He passed his English and maths first time, and with a little extra time, guidance and support for his final assessment, he’s now fully qualified. Darren is looking forward to continuing to develop his knowledge and skills, and advancing his career further with Apollo Care Liverpool.’ 

His coach, Andy added:

‘Darren struggled with maths but never gave up; he worked hard and was a pleasure to support. It just shows how everything is possible with the right support, personal dedication, and commitment to oneself.’

Individuals like Darren are crucial to the future of social care work. His happiness in his job and his championing of caring professions make him a fabulous regional advocate for the sector. He’s a role model for anyone considering a career in adult social care, and an inspiration to those who struggle with maths and English. 

The Future of Care

Apollo Care is a prime example of an adult social care employer who invests in its staff through initiatives like apprenticeships. It has recently been nominated for a Sefton at Work Valued Employer Award. It is one of a fast-growing number of companies that recognise the importance of staff development and wellbeing in the sector’s future. 

Wages, working conditions, and progression opportunities are evolving fast to attract more people to adult social care. Due to our ageing population, opportunities for rewarding long-term careers like Darren has planned are increasing all the time.