New To Care: Supporting people make positive life changing decisions is ‘feeling that never fades’

We caught up with Kelly Innes, Mental Health Team Leader, at with YOU in Edinburgh about her role and why you should consider a career in adult social care.

Kelly has always had a keen interest in supporting people but only found her calling later in her career when she became a Support Worker. She started out as an early years’ practitioner but then found her passion as a Support Worker in mental health where she developed to become a Team Leader.

“One of the best things about working in mental health support is providing emotional support to those who really need it. Helping vulnerable people make positive life changing decisions is a feeling that never fades. Knowing that you’ve positively improved someone’s life and mental wellbeing is the reason I do what I do.

“I started in the care sector as a Support Worker and have since been exposed to countless opportunities to better myself and my professional skillset. Working up to Team Leader hasn’t come without challenges but overcoming each hurdle has made me better at my job and more prepared for the next challenge.

“One person I worked with had such a low feeling of self-worth and struggled to leave the house, but through our work and support I played a role in saving their life. Now watching this person obtain a full-time job and move into their new flat and really live their life to the full is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

“I think people often view Support Workers quite negatively. I think there’s a perception about this job that’s wholly inaccurate. I believe people tend to see Support Workers as befrienders, cleaners or just going for coffee and not seeing the amazing service we provide, to those who need it most.”

Kelly’s advice to people looking to apply for an adult social care position: “Absolutely go for it, be openminded and don’t listen to what other people tell you until you’re in the role itself. You won’t know how rewarding it feels until you’re in there helping people change their lives.”

We spoke with Kelly on the eve of the Scottish Government’s campaign to encourage people to consider a career in adult social care.

You’ll already know there are plenty of career related articles on our site but what you might not know is there is a new campaign site packed with lots of information and advice to support your first steps in the sector.

There’s also a free guide which you can download here.

Picture (c) The Scottish Government.