Derbyshire mum balances supporting son with giving back to her local community

Support Worker Joanne is balancing a career helping over the 50s while supporting her son with extra care needs thanks to the flexibility of her new job. 

Last year Joanne joined our Independent Living Service that provides support to people in Derbyshire helping them to live safe and well at home. 

In the last three months the service has helped 279 people by supporting them with practical and emotional support such as housing options, financial help, blue badge applications and wellbeing support. 

Joanne joined the team in November and says the last five months and the move to Revival have been priceless, giving her the flexibility to have both a thriving career as well as being a proud mum. 

“Before coming to Revival, I worked in care for over five years”, said Joanne.

“I worked my way up from carer to care coordinator, but as I climbed the ladder the job demanded more of my time and energy.

“For any new mum, managing a career and a young child is challenging, but at the age of seven my son Eli was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism.

“I had to adjust and work hard to support his needs but having both a demanding professional and home life, I knew I couldn’t manage both for long.”

Joanne said it was fate when she saw ex-colleague Amy (pictured above) in a bakery who had all the answers.

“I saw someone I used to work with. We caught up and she asked about what I was doing. I told her my dilemma and to my surprise she had an amazing solution.

“She’d been working for Revival on their Independent Living Service and told me they had a part-time vacancy.

“I decided to go for it and the rest is history! I love it at Revival because no two days are the same. One minute I’m filling out a referral form and the next I’m being called out to support someone who’s fallen at home.

“My favourite part of the day is when I get to be human with customers. Most often I’ll be the only person they speak to that week, so I always make sure we have a good chat.”

Joanne says Revival’s flexible way of working is helping to support her to have a thriving career and home life.

“Revival work flexibly and working part-time allows me to have time with my son and still have a job doing something that matters to me.

“Being able to have both is one of my proudest achievements.”

Team Leader Emily says she’s really pleased Joanne has settled in.

“Joanne is a great addition to the team and we’re so glad to have her. It’s so important to support staff and give them the flexibility to thrive.

“1 in 9 people in the UK are carers so it’s vital we work flexibly to prevent people from feeling like they have no other option but to give up their career to manage.”