Where it Began

Sophie has worked at Natural Breaks since 2020, progressing from Support Worker to Senior Support Worker during her time. When she first began, Sophie was in university studying Disability and Special Educational Needs, and had heard about the role through a friend.

Today, Sophie has over six years’ experience of supporting adults with disabilities and helps supervise support staff, coordinate rotas and plays a key role in managing daily service operations. She has developed strong skills in communication, leadership and care planning.

From Then to Now

Reflecting on her journey, Sophie shared: “The past six years have flown by, and I can honestly say that since working at Natural Breaks, I have learnt more from the people we support than a university degree could ever teach me.

The fact that no shift is the same is probably one of my favourite things about the job, which I’m sure most staff at Natural Breaks would agree with. There’s so many different things to support and encourage people to do, whether that be getting involved in activities at the office, going out and about in the community or supporting people to live life to the fullest in their own home. The people I support are always up for trying new and different things meaning there are endless possibilities of what a shift could entail.

As a Senior Support Worker, that hasn’t changed! No two days are the same. Although there may be a bit more paperwork involved, I’m so glad that I am able to still support.

During my time at Natural Breaks, I have supported many individuals, some that I still support six years on. To be able to continue being part of their team is such a pleasure.

Since working at Natural Breaks, I have learnt a lot – through training and from the people we support. Natural Breaks are always on top of up-to-date training, meaning staff are always equipped with any new skills they may need. I have also learnt from the people we support – to make the most of every day, that no task is too big or too small, to always give it your all and a smile on your face while you do it wouldn’t go amiss!

Every day is an opportunity to grow and reflect on what you have given.

Looking back at my career, I’ve got many happy moments that will stay with me forever. If I was asked to choose a favourite, I would say Natural Breaks’ Newquay holiday that I went on in 2024. I’d supported a few people that had been on the trip before, so got asked to go along. No matter the weather, the whole week they all had smiles on their faces and every night without fail Natural Breaks were usually the first ones on the karaoke and the last ones out of the bar!

The whole week was filled with different activities I’d not done before and we even went to the Eden Project and spent the whole day there, which was lovely. I know that the Newquay trip is one of the most anticipated events of the year and so, I’d recommend going to anyone we support or any staff who want to further their skills and have an enjoyable time.

For anyone thinking about starting a career in social work or applying for a role at Natural Breaks, I’d say that it is something you should do. Natural Breaks isn’t just a company; it’s a community full of amazing people that are always so welcoming and lively. This includes staff, management, and of course the people we support!

Even six years on, the job keeps me on my toes with changes, challenges and experiences that I wouldn’t ever trade! I’ve made friends through the company and been able to have experiences I probably wouldn’t have ever had without it. Whether that be supporting people to visit Harry Potter World, seaside holiday stays in the Natural Breaks caravan or supporting people to move into their forever homes.

Each experience has left me with fond memories that I’ll be happy to look back on in later years”.

Join us on this Journey

Just like Sophie, all our support workers are here to help people we support live ordinary, fulfilling lives and are dedicated to delivery person-centred care.

Want to start your own journey with us? Email [email protected] to learn more about the vacancies we have available.

We can guarantee that you will never have two days the same. Our teams always say that Natural Breaks = Never Boring!