Throughout the year we profile a care professional who has come into the sector after a career change and who demonstrates that it really is never too late to care! This month we meet Lewis Collins, from Radfield Home Care who’s journey working in a variety of sectors and roles was led him to a career in care.
Lewis Collins is the Recruitment & Training Manager at Radfield Home Care Shrewsbury & Oswestry. Before working in care, his career journey has taken him through a spectrum of sectors and roles, all with a common theme.
“Interestingly, I initially was destined for a career in the Army, attending the Defence Sixth Form College & subsequently an Army Reservist – however a change of heart led me to leave that career behind, and in 2012 was accepted on to a Management programme with Tesco.
“As pretty much anyone in Recruitment will tell you – a chance encounter is where I had my first real foray into the care sector. During the COVID pandemic, a real desire to still be engaged and working with people inspired me to become a Support Worker, working with adults with Learning Disabilities. This experience at ‘the coalface’ has been immeasurably helpful. The theme that ties all my roles together is the people-facing aspect, I enjoy seeing people develop and grow, and having an input on that, however small.”
Away from the office, Lewis enjoys working with people as a Match Official in Rugby League and has progressed to officiating International games in Professional Leagues. Working directly with people always provides interesting and often life-changing experiences. Speaking about some of his memorable moments working in care, Lewis said:
“A moment that has really stuck with me was when our office arranged a trip to a football match for our clients who have been fans for decades but hadn’t been to a game in years. We organised travel & chaperones, as we all enjoyed the game together & chatted – their smiles & enthusiasm was just so incredibly memorable.”
Lewis also supported a Dementia Support Information Day, held on 18th May 2023.
“Arranged by Karen Corcoran our Business Development Manager, the day brought 40 charities, NHS and related support organisations together in one room. We had over 200 people attend the day, and there were tears, often of relief – that there was actually so much support out there for families and those living with Dementia. I hadn’t thought about the impact that day would have.”
In 2023, Lewis became an award-winning recruitment professional when he received the Recruitment, Retention & Recognition (Three R’s) award at the West Midland regional Great British Care Awards.
“I’m not sure if it’s overly groundbreaking what I do, but I’m a big believer in being honest with people about what the role of a home Care Professional entails and building that relationship. Honesty, openness and taking a genuine interest in someone’s development goes a long way. Our retention rates are good, and our team is as upskilled and as knowledgeable as they have ever been.”
Lewis’ experience has given him a unique insight into what a Care Professional can be, for anyone considering a career in social care, he had this to say:
“There is no longer a ‘typical Carer’, that people may perceive like in previous years. The role of a Care Professional can now be well paid, flexible and provide rewards & benefits beyond any other ‘usual’ 9-5 job. At Radfield Home Care, we have had Sales Managers, IT Project Managers, Nursery Nurses, and Police Officers all become Care Professionals, and have thoroughly enjoyed their new roles and importantly – thrived.”
“So if you’re thinking about coming into the sector – do it! But my advice would be, do your research and speak to people and find an organisation that will look after you and develop your potential. There’s a job satisfaction you won’t get anywhere else.”
radfieldhomecare.co.uk
@radfieldcare
