In 2006, Heather Wright began her career at Lifeways as a Support Worker, helping adults with autism and learning disabilities at a newly opened residential care home in North Wales.
Nineteen years on, she has progressed through the organisation – from Team Leader and Registered Manager to Health & Safety Manager – earning her place as Group Head of Health & Safety in 2025.
Her journey has been shaped by experience and determination, alongside what she describes as her “superpower” – her ADHD and dyslexia.
An introduction during college
Heather’s journey began while studying Travel & Tourism at college, alongside working in local bars. Around the same time, friends in social care helped her gain experience on a bank basis when she was 18.
From there, she moved into home care before spotting an opportunity at Inclusive Lifestyles’ newly opened residential service, which was later acquired by Lifeways. At the time, she never imagined how far her career would go, and believes few organisations offer the same level of development and learning.
“You don’t hear of many people moving from operations into a role like this. I funded my own qualifications to move into Health & Safety, and since then, Lifeways, alongside our insurers, have supported me to gain even more qualifications by giving me the time and opportunity to do them.”
“It just goes to show you don’t need to have gone to private school or university – or, in my case, have left school with hardly any qualifications – to build a career for yourself at Lifeways.”
A reason behind it all
Reflecting on her current role, Heather remains passionate about the purpose behind her work, even though she is no longer as close to the people supported as she was earlier in her career.
“I absolutely love my job. With Health & Safety, I could go anywhere, but doing this role in Lifeways means you’re helping people live their best lives in a safe way.”
Through Lifeways’ internal platform Viva Engage and its news channels, stories of people supported across the UK are shared and celebrated, reinforcing a strong ‘One Team’ culture. For Heather, these moments keep the impact of her work front of mind.
“We support people with a wide range of complex needs. There are organisations that don’t always have the skills or teams to do that, but we will always look at how we can make something work for each person.”
‘A bit of a superpower’
One of the things that distinguishes Heather is her ADHD and dyslexia – something she has always viewed not as a challenge, but as “a bit of a superpower”.
“I think having ADHD and dyslexia helps me see things differently.
“If something feels too complicated or doesn’t make sense, I’ll say so. I’m confident enough to say, ‘that doesn’t work because of X, Y and Z,’ where others might not.
“So I do see it as a bit of a superpower, and something I use to support other people.”
“There’s always a lot going on in my head, so keeping things simple and clear makes a real difference – not just for me, but for everyone.”
‘There’s no limits’
Although she never originally planned to work in social care, Heather has never looked back and is grateful for the support she has received throughout her career.
Asked what she would say to someone considering a role in care, her answer is simple:
“Just give it a go. If you’re not sure but thinking about it, just give it a go – you won’t find another job like it.
“To support people to live their lives how they want, I’m not sure what sounds better than that.
“At Lifeways, there’s no limit to how far you can go. If you set your mind to something, you’ll get the support to make it happen.”
If, like Heather, you want to see how far you can take your career, search the latest opportunities with Lifeways.
Heather isn’t just anyone – and this isn’t just any job.
