Our latest Willowbrook Spotlight is on Nikki Smith, Extra Care Deputy Manager – Willowbrook Homecare (Hyndburn).
*A bit about myself:
I am 55 and live with my partner – We’ve been together for over 30 years. We don’t have any children, and sadly we recently lost our beloved fur baby.
Until the age of 51, I was in the Rochdale Rounders League, but I had to retire after being hit on the head with the rounders bat – We laugh about this now!
I have worked in the care sector for over 13 years.
*What attracted you to the care sector?
Well… I was a mobile hairdresser for 24 years, and in the end, I struggled due to clients letting me down last minute.
I live in a small village and heard an Extra Care Scheme facility was being built nearby, so I went to the open day to look around.
Whilst talking to others, I soon began to realise how much of a people person I actually am, so I completed an application form and attended an interview – I was ecstatic when I was offered the role of Carer. I’ve never looked back!
*What qualifications have you worked towards/gained to date?
I am very grateful to Willowbrook Homecare and my colleagues for supporting me and helping me achieve my Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
I began my Career Path with Willowbrook as a Carer, I went on to become a Supervisor, and now… I am the Deputy Manager of the Extra Care Schemes.
I have also recently gained a QNUK Level 3 Award for Moving and Handling Trainers (Health & Social Care) (RQF) – I deliver Moving and Handling training specific to Willowbrook Homecare.
*What is the best advice you have ever received?
When I was in high school, I struggled with learning due to being starved of oxygen when i was born, which caused a delay in my ability to learn.
My teacher at school told me – “Never stop believing in yourself. You can achieve anything you want to if you put your mind to it”.
*Tell me a fun fact about yourself!
When I was 30, I took part in the popular hit TV show – Supermarket Sweep, and I still have my Blue jumper!
Of course, we got to the final, but we missed out on the £1000 cash prize by 3 seconds!!!
‘Beep Beep – think of the fun you could be having on Supermarket Sweep!’
If you’d like to feature in our next Willowbrook Spotlight On… article, please contact [email protected] or have an initial chat with your line manager.