We spoke to Joan, 38, a health support worker based in Croydon, South London. She has been using FuturU’s platform for six months to advance her healthcare knowledge and build her confidence. In this interview, she talks about her joy of learning.
Can you tell us more about what you do?
I have two jobs at the moment. I work night shifts as an environmental service assistant at a hospital where I do housekeeping and maintenance. I’m also a healthcare support worker with Newcross Healthcare, where I assist people with various needs including those with learning disabilities, epilepsy, and autism. It involves supporting them in their day-to-day lives, both in care homes and other settings like hospitals, supported living homes, young adults’ homes and elderly homes.
What do you find most rewarding about working in healthcare?
Caring for people is my passion. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do – to support people with their day-to-day activities and help them to lead more fulfilling lives. Making them happy makes me happy.
How is FuturU supporting you in your role?
I use FuturU for all of my training and it’s given me the motivation to learn more and go deeper. In my spare time, I look through FuturU’s courses and pick two or three that I plan to focus on for the week. The courses provide insights into dealing with different aspects of daily life for the people I care for, and it’s free to use and get my certificates.
What difference has that made to you?
FuturU has helped me build my courage and confidence working in healthcare. I’ve gotten to a level where I have full confidence in my ability to care for and support people. I remember one case when I had to go to a supported living home and I had a client with complex needs who I needed to look after. I remembered the content I’d learned from one of the FuturU courses and it helped me that very day. I love reading and learning new things. If I don’t understand something, FuturU gives me the opportunity to go back through the course content multiple times.
Are there any courses you’ve found particularly helpful?
I’ve completed lots of courses including moving and handling, epilepsy management, basic life support and end-of-life care. Even if the courses aren’t assigned to me, I will still find new ones to do because I enjoy learning and gaining more knowledge. FuturU has also helped me regarding my son who is autistic. I did the autism awareness course with FuturU, which has helped me learn so much, gain a lot of knowledge and to understand how to care for him better.
What’s your experience been like with other training providers?
When I started my first care job in London I had to pay for training. I had relocated from Nigeria and was desperate to start work. I remember they deducted money from my salary for all my training and my DBS too. It felt like a lot of money at the time, especially as the job required me to travel to and from my clients’ homes because I was doing domiciliary care. Discovering FuturU has really helped me because it’s totally free. It’s allowed me to save money and buy things for my son.
Where do you want to take your career?
I want to take my career forward and maybe one day open a care home for people with autism. FuturU has given me the insights and knowledge to look further into the future and achieve this. I’m excited for what’s next.
