November 2023 marked the twelfth annual Hertfordshire Care Awards. Presented by Hertfordshire Care Providers Association, this lavish event was made up of inspiring stories, celebrations, and thanks. As a new venue for 2023, Willows Farm saw 400 care professionals come together for the largest care awards to date.
One of the care professionals in attendance was Dan Lee, who was the winner of the 'Rising Star' category, which was sponsored by the Care Professional Academy. Dan, who works for Partners in Support Stevenage, has shown the utmost enthusiasm and dedication to his role as a Support Worker. When we recently asked why he loves working in care he said:
"My focus will always involve empowering the people I support to rule their own world and live life their way".
Keen to hear more about his career in care we sat down with Dan to find out more.
Why do you love working in care?
I absolutely love working in care. Supporting people to navigate through their challenges, finding solutions, and identifying meaningful ways to progress is at the heart of what makes it so fulfilling. Equally rewarding is witnessing individuals celebrate their achievements. Advocating for those who may not be able to do so themselves, particularly giving people with learning disabilities a voice, adds an extra layer of significance to the impact I can make in the lives of those I support.
What made you choose care as a career?
I chose care as a career because I wanted a fulfilling journey where I could go home at the end of the day, knowing I’ve made a difference and a positive impact. I sought a career where I could see tangible results, and working in care certainly achieves this. The ability to contribute meaningfully to someone’s well-being and quality of life aligns perfectly with my desire for a rewarding and impactful profession.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your career?
The biggest challenges in my career involve navigating complex situations, and one remarkable experience was taking the person I support on his first independent holiday abroad to Barcelona. Without the support of his family, there were numerous considerations to ensure he had the time of his life. Given his own personal difficulties over the years, going away without the comfort of his family was particularly challenging. Witnessing him flourish, be independent, and enjoy the experience was truly incredible and a testament to the transformative power of compassionate care.
What would you say to someone who is considering a career in care?
To anyone considering a career in care, I would say, simply just do it. You won’t be disappointed, and I doubt you will look back. It’s a truly a humbling career path, one that will provide you with numerous reasons to love it. The opportunity to make a positive impact and experience the profound fulfilment that comes with caring for others is unparalleled.
What's your most memorable day in your career so far?
My most memorable day in my career so far was witnessing someone I support make wise decisions, complete their own day-to-day tasks, and demonstrate happiness through joy and laughter. As part of my role, promoting independence is key, and I firmly believe in the saying, “Don’t do for someone something they can do for themselves.” On that particular day, seeing the individual thrive and showcase their abilities gave me an immense sense of achievement. It reinforced that all the hard work is having a positive impact on their quality of life.
How would you like to progress your career in the future?
Personally, I aspire to progress into a leadership role with possibly a training element, promoting high standards of care and compassion. Wherever my path takes me, my focus will always involve empowering the people I support to rule their own world and live life their way, fostering independence and promoting mental health.
Thank you, Dan, for taking time out of your busy day to answer our questions. We loved hearing more about your inspiring story and it's not hard to see why you won the award for 'Rising Star'.
If you 'd like to hear more stories like Dan's, then visit https://www.hcpa.info/case-studies/