“There is a huge need for services like this”

“I didn’t know places like this existed. It’s a home.

I’m a Support Worker and I’ve been at this service for two and a half years. I say it’s like coming from my home to theirs for the day.

Lots of my colleagues have been here a long time. That’s what drew me to it. I thought, “It can’t be bad if a lot of staff have been here for years!”

I worked with young children for sixteen years but it was time to go. It was scary to change career because it was all I’d ever known. I was apprehensive, but it’s been a pleasant surprise. I was prepared to try a few things but I haven’t looked back!

I got loads of training and there was always someone to ask questions which was really nice for me. And I’ll still ask if I’m unsure of something. The Service Manager is really approachable.

I really like it, I really do. It’s totally different to anything. The most rewarding thing for me is seeing clients happy. I like getting to know them and what they need. It’s satisfying. It’s rewarding building trust with clients.

We might go to breakfast club, the beach, shopping, the cinema, bowling. We’re nicely positioned here for various things. Some of our clients like to go to Goodwood and the Watercress Line heritage railway.

We took one client on holiday to Weymouth. She had such a good time. It was hard and we were shattered because we did loads but we had a blast!

The staff here are phenomenal – I’ve never worked with people like it. We all have different strengths. My colleagues are great at art and craft and I like to do a lot of batch cooking at weekends.

It’s very relaxed and personable here. Families are integrated and welcome here. Many will visit regularly.

It’s so important that these services are homes. There is a huge need for services like this. It’s a testament to the staff here and the relationships they’ve built, that clients here put trust in them.”