Sue marks an incredible 45 years with Hft

Sue started her career in social care at the age of 18

A support worker who joined Hft straight out of college has celebrated 45 years of working with the organisation.

Sue Marley, a support worker at the charity’s residential service Oaktree House in Bampton, started her career in social care at the age of 18.

Sue, 63, studied for two years for a certificate in social care before joining the charity at its Blackerton Village service in East Anstey, Devon.

“I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with my qualification,” she said.

“But I had a friend whose family was supported at a service run by Hft up the road and I was invited in for an interview.

“I haven’t looked back since.”

Sue has held a variety of roles over the years from support worker to team leader and home manager at various supported living and residential services.

She joined Oaktree House 16 years ago.

Some of the people Sue supports, she has worked with her whole journey in social care.

“There are a number of people who I have supported during my whole 45 years with Hft,” said Sue.

“I’ve been with them on their whole journey and they are like my extended family.

“Not only have I shared key moments in their lives, but they have shared key moments in mine too.”

As part of her role at Oaktree, Sue is in charge of the medication audits.

She also chairs the regular ‘cottage meetings’ in which they discuss things like important updates and suggest activities they would like to try.

The meetings take place every six weeks.

“We organised a project to makeover the garden at Oaktree last year,” said Sue.

“This was from a suggestion from the people we support at one of our regular meetings.

“This year they have said they’d like to see the sitting room decorated.

“Its important to me to be able to action the things they have requested.”

Sue, who now works 16 hours a week, says working for the charity for 45 years has helped provide a continuity of care for the people she supports.

“They always know I am there,” she said.

“And they can talk to me about anything.

“We all know each other very well and understand one another.”

In the past, Sue also organised many holidays for the people she supports from trips to Butlins to a getaway to a country cottage.

Sue says she has loved her career with Hft and has no plans to retire.

“The relationships built over such a long time are very special to me,” she said.

“And I work with a great team of colleagues, many of whom have also worked for many years for the charity.

“Oaktree House is a very happy place to be.

“I have no plans to retire any time soon.” In her spare time, Sue enjoys crocheting and reading and spending time with her partner Richard.

Oaktree House Service Manager Kay Nicholls said: “45 years is a massive achievement.

“Sue managed part of my induction over 20 years so for me personally she has been a constant for both myself and the supported people who we have also supported for many many years.

”Sue has seen a number of changes within Hft over the years and has a huge amount of experience in her field.

“We continue to value and look forward to working with Sue for many years to come.”