Sarah Hearne, locality manager at national charity Ambient Support shares what she loves about working in care

Why did you join the social care sector?

My mum was always a caring person. After I left school she encouraged me to start a part-time role in a nursing home as an evening tea chef. Doing my bit to help on the shift and spending time with residents was so rewarding for me. Both my sister and I now work in the care sector – caring is in our genes. My mum was so compassionate and kind to everyone around her and it really rubbed off on us both.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love making a difference to the lives of the people we support. Whether that’s in a hands-on, direct way or by supporting, encouraging and guiding my teams on their own journeys. I want to make sure that people are being properly supported at our mental health services so they can lead valued lives in the wider community. I like learning new things that can support me in my role and helping others to understand the importance of positive communication and kindness.

Who is your social care hero and why?

The support workers and managers that I work with at Ambient are my social care heroes.  They go above and beyond on a daily basis and their resilience and hard work shone even more brightly throughout the pandemic. In my first social care role I worked with a lady called Mary who was so passionate about what she was doing. She guided me throughout my first steps into social care and was so kind to everyone. She’s who I think of as what it means to work in social care.

What is the one thing you would change about social care? 

Pay in the social care sector is not reflective of the exceptional work that people do. The sector needs to be able to attract people with the right attitude and passion for care, and better funding would help us all across the sector to bring in even more of those compassionate and resilient team members.

What, in your opinion, makes a great care worker?

Someone who is kind and caring, who goes above and beyond, and wants to take on new challenges and opportunities to make a difference to the lives of the people we support.

What do you do when life all gets a bit too much? 

I love being out in the garden and connecting with the outside world. I try to decompress by being mindful about small activities, and being away from screens helps me switch off.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Be kind to yourself and look after yourself too. It’s okay to make mistakes, we learn from them and it’s okay.

Which three famous people would you have to dinner and why?

Kylie Minogue – my favourite singer. I’ve followed her from her Neighbours days until now.

David Attenborough. I’d want to hear all about his love of the world and animals. He must have so much knowledge and many inspirational stories about his travels around the world.

Daniel Craig. Because he’s a dreamy Bond man!

What three items would you bring with you on a desert island?

Bottle of Kylie Prosecco, swimming goggles and flippers – so I can view the amazing sea life the ocean has to offer. Plus, a survival book.

What is your secret talent?

I’m a level 2 trained British Sign Language communicator. I might be a bit rusty now, but I’d love to do some refresher sessions.