We employ both male and female carers and we have asked two of our male carers to tell us what it’s like to join Extra Hands. This is what they had to say:
Paul's Story
Hi, I’m Paul and this is my Extra Hands story.
It was January 2018 and once again I was looking for work, as my previous job was a seasonal one. I looked on Indeed and the one job that kept jumping out at me was Extra Hands looking for carers in my area. I had never done any kind of care work in my life, but it did appeal to me. I filled in the online application and sent it off, thinking I probably wouldn’t hear back due to my complete lack of experience. But there I was in Tesco’s the very next day getting a call to arrange an interview. A few days later and I was getting pretty nervous as always, and it was time to get the shirt and tie on. I arrived for the interview and filled in some more paperwork, had a chat with the receptionist and started to settle down a bit.
The interview went really well, it was a very relaxed atmosphere and I never felt awkward or out of my depth. I felt that this could be a really good opportunity for me, but I never like to count my chickens. Sue informed me that I would be contacted very shortly to let me know if I had been successful. Later that day I checked my emails and I couldn’t believe it, I had actually got the job. I was excited and terrified at the same time. Then we had to wait for the references and DBS to come back and the training dates were all sorted. It was two and a half weeks of training, which involved class work and shadowing other qualified carers. I must say that the training program is second to none, Justin really knows what he is talking about and if you ever get stuck he will explain it all again until you get it, again all in a very relaxed atmosphere. Then the big day came when they let me loose on my own, I cannot explain how nervous I was that first day, but because of the training and the support you get it all just dropped into place. It can be a really satisfying job, knowing that you have helped someone to carry on living independently in their own home. So here we are, 10+ weeks later and I have settled in really well. No two days are the same and there is always help on the end of the phone line if you need it.
Matthew's Story
I’m Matthew and I’ve been a carer since 2014. A friend of mine who has been known to Extra Hands directed me here as I was “getting itchy feet” and also often having a long drive before I started work. I completed an application form, invited for an interview and was offered the job. The training with Justin was very good and I liked the fact that all training is done with one person, giving continuity. I had an open mind about the training so I didn’t really know what to expect but I enjoyed the training. I like the fact that I’m helping people who would otherwise struggle. In the 1990’s as a student, I became involved in charity work. I have continued since but not on a regular basis. I had a feeling that I needed to pick it up again and while having lunch with a friend, it was suggested that I went to the Octagon. This church re-awakened my wanting to help others. My most recent charity event was Cycling Down Dementia for Alzheimer’s Research UK. It was a challenge to cycle 300 miles in 3 months, over the winter period. The money raised by everyone went into the research fund. I really enjoy cycling and as this was for a very worthy cause, the two went hand in hand together. In June this year, I am going to be cycling again, taking part in The Tour of Cambridgeshire, starting in Peterborough but I’ve not yet decided on the distance I’ll cycle yet! This event is raising money for MacMillan Cancer Support. My long terms plans are to continue working as a carer, cycling and raising money for worthy causes.
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