Sonia celebrates 15 years of dedication to Hft 

Even fracturing her neck didn’t stop her going to work

Sonia Amblin loves her job so much that even a broken neck didn’t stop her turning up for work.

Sonia, 51, has been a support worker at Hft’s Apsley House in Bristol for the last 15 years.

And she enjoys every minute of her role.

So much so that even after fracturing her neck on her cycle ride home from work, she was still determined to get in to do her shift the following day.

Sonia was cycling the nine miles home to Cadbury Heath in 2016 after a shift at Apsley House when she lost control of her pushbike in wet weather and crashed into a bridge.

Initially she picked herself up and thought she had just bruised her shoulder.

But a trip to hospital and a CT scan later revealed she had a stable fracture of her neck.

“I cycle to work every day, so this was a bit of a freak accident,” she said.

“Initially I thought I had just bruised my shoulder blade but the pain was so bad I had to make my way to hospital.”

Sonia had to wear a neck brace for several weeks, but still went to work.

But during her recovery she left her bike at home and travelled on the bus.

“I would get bored at home,” she laughed. “And I knew I would miss being at work and with the people we support. It’s part of who I am.”

Sonia was first introduced to Hft when she started to volunteer at The Hive – a drop in centre for people with learning disabilities in Bristol.

It was there where she met Adrian – who lives at Apsley House.

“We just got on and I really enjoyed spending time with the people that attended the drop in,” said Sonia.

“It was then I realised I wanted to look at support work as a permanent career.”

Sonia started doing shifts with Hft where she shadowed another support worker before moving on to work bank shifts for the charity.

She became a permanent member of staff at Apsley House in 2010. During her time at the charity she attended college and gained training – including a Level Three Diploma in Health and Social Care.

Sonia says every day in her role is different.

“I can be doing anything from assisting to give medication to making sure the people we support attend appointments,” she said.

“It can also be simple tasks such as supporting individuals to make sure their accommodation is kept clean and tidy and their washing is done. Or helping them to complete their weekly food shop or go for a coffee somewhere with friends.

“There is also a lot of fun stuff I do too, like supporting them to get out and about and pursue hobbies or taking part in experiences which they enjoy.”

Sonia is an embedded part of the Apsley House family.

“The role is so rewarding,” she smiled.

“Seeing the people who live here thrive and enjoy the most fulfilling lives possible is just so gratifying and I very much feel that everyone at Apsley House is part of my family.”

Sonia, who is also a qualified nursery nurse, is Apsley House’s longest serving member of staff.

She is also a qualified first aider and alongside her support worker role, co-ordinates all the maintenance and repairs needed at the supported living service and is its health and safety representative.

In her spare time Sonia enjoys going out on bike rides – and loves getting new tattoos.

“Working for Hft as a support practitioner is a fantastic role,” said Sonia.

“You have to put a lot into it, but it’s worth it for what you get out.

“You need to be dedicated, patient, compassionate and caring – and a good sense of humour helps too.

“I feel that I am not just a support worker to these individuals, I am their friend too.”

Sonia was presented with a special certificate marking her 15 years of ‘outstanding service’ to Hft.

Apsley House Service Manager Bex Skinner said: “Sonia is our matriarch of Apsley House and an incredible colleague.

“She is an exceptionally dedicated member of staff who goes above and beyond every day for the people we support every single day.

“We don’t know what we would do without her.”

Sonia says working for Hft she has found her calling in life  – and is looking forward to the next 15 years of being part of the Apsley House family.

“It’s the little things that matter like someone experiencing something new or celebrating and achievement of some kind, however big or small.

“It’s those moments which matter most and really brighten my day.”

If you want to find out more about a career with Hft visit Hft – Careers.