How caring for his grandad helped Jamie find his vocation

They shared a passion for growing whatever they could. Leeks, onions, potatoes, lettuces – you name it, they probably grew it. But Jamie also grew into a caring young man thanks to the values his grandad instilled in him from a young age.

“He always taught me to respect people, to be kind, and care for others,” recalls Jamie.

So, when his grandad was diagnosed with liver cancer, Jamie took on the responsibility of becoming his full-time carer. He was 16, straight out of school, but he was determined to look after his grandad as best he could.

“He and my Gran cared for me all my life, so I wanted to repay the debt – I felt it was my duty to care for them,” he-explained

Jamie was born in Esh Winning, has lived there all of his life, and was brought up by his grandparents – Keith and Janice Richardson. Keith worked as a plasterer, while Janice was a domestic at the University Hospital of North Durham.

Keith also had severe arthritis and Jamie was his full-time carer for two-and-a-half years: giving him medication, helping him bathe, keeping his spirits up, and generally being there for him until he died in December 2018.

“It was a hard time, but I also found it rewarding to be able to help him and give him the respect and dignity he needed,” says Jamie.

His initial ambitions at school were to become a police officer but the experience of looking after his grandad made him consider a career in care.

He joined a County Durham company, called Perfect Care, and, at 23, he’s already an experienced carer, looking after people in their own homes around Esh Winning. Most of his clients are elderly people, but there are also some young people, including a disabled boy, aged 13.

Jamie does a variety of shifts, and his duties include administering medicine; making breakfasts; providing personal care, including baths and body-washes; making cups of tea; and being an invaluable source of company for those living alone. With one client, who is bed-bound, Jamie also manages a hoist.

“It’s a big responsibility but I really love my job because those I look after are all lovely people. You really get used to being with them, and they become like your family after a while,” he says.

“A lot of the clients live by themselves, so it makes their day when I arrive, and I love that feeling of putting something back into society.

“I always loved history at school, and I enjoy listening to them talking about their memories. There’s one woman who talks a lot about the war and I find it fascinating. You have to have a sense of humour and be a good listener.”

Jamie receives regular training from Perfect Care, with support from County Durham Care Academy, and he speaks highly of the company as an employer: “If ever I have a problem, there’s always plenty of support,” he says.

Jamie’s devotion to his job is clearly valued by those he cares for, at the end of March, a social worker contacted Perfect Care, asking for help with a man who was becoming isolated. Jamie was given the job of being his carer and he took the man for sessions of indoor curling, which had been his hobby in his younger days.

It had such an impact that the social worker sent positive feedback to the company, describing Jamie as “a superb carer – and a superb curler!”

Another service-user sent a message describing Jamie as ‘more like a family member than a carer because he goes above and beyond’.

“It’s just so lovely to hear that kind of feedback,” says Kelly Urwin, Perfect Care’s registered manager.

Kelly is another example of someone who has built a successful career in health and social care, having started as a care worker in residential homes at 18. She started with Perfect Care as a rapid response care worker in 2016, before becoming a case manager, and then registered manager in 2018 after passing her Level 5 qualification in leadership and management.

Perfect Care works closely with County Durham Care Academy, which she describes as “a valuable source of support in all kinds of ways”.  For example, the Care Academy organises registered managers forums to build connections and share information.

“It’s a good chance for care providers to meet up and talk through issues,” says Kelly. “Care Academy brings in professionals to do presentations, such as a recent one about vaccinations, or what training’s on offer for care staff, or keeping us up to date with the new standards from the Care Quality Commission.”

“Working in health and social care is definitely a career for people of all ages because it’s so rewarding and there is lots of scope for personal development,”

Jamie agrees that it’s a career path for young people to consider: “I’ve spoken to friends about it and, although it might not be for everyone, I would definitely recommend it.

“All I can say is that it makes me happy because I know that I’m in a position to make a difference to the lives of people who need help,” he says.

He lives in his own house, down the street from his Gran, and when he’s not at work, he enjoys playing cricket for Bearpark, and tending the allotment – the place where his caring values were nurtured.

What a proud man his grandad would be.

• Anyone interested in working for Perfect Care should email: darren.craggs@perfectcare.co.uk

Free training with County Durham Care Academy

Do you want a job that makes a real difference to people’s lives, where no two days are the same and with flexible hours to fit around your life?

If you’re looking for a fulfilling role with lots of opportunities to progress, why not let the Care Academy help you to start your career in care?

We provide free and flexible training to give you the skills you need to start a career in adult or children’s social care. We also pay for your DBS check and guarantee you an interview when you complete the course.

Our next online 6-week course starts 5 June – find out more: www.durham.gov.uk/RoutewayASC.

There’s also free training to help you start a career in children’s social care. The next course starts 6 June in Spennymoor – find out more: www.durham.gov.uk/RoutewayCSC.

Fast-track Into Employment Scheme

The Care Academy also offers a fast-track route for people aged 18 or over who are looking to start a career in care without going through our recruitment training programmes.

All you need to do is complete a short application to tell us about your existing skills and experience and the type of role you’re looking for. We’ll then get in touch to discuss the different options available and how we can help you find your ideal job in social care.

Find out more about how the Care Academy can help you to make a difference to the lives of people in County Durham by kick starting your new career in care: www.durham.gov.uk/careacademyrecruitment