Support worker Sheila marks 38 years of changing lives at Hft
At the age of 76, Sheila has no plans to retire.
At the age of 76, most pensioners would be looking forward to putting their feet up.
But not Sheila Turton.
Grandma-of-one Sheila has worked for Hft for an incredible 38 years and has no intention of giving up her role.
Infact, this year she once again cooked the Christmas dinner for the fourth consecutive year for the learning disabled people she supports in Sheffield.
Sheila started working as a cleaner for Hft when she was 38 years-old at its offices at Fairthorne in Sheffield.
“Initially I was working for a cleaning company and my boss rang me and said there was someone that needed some help, and was I available,” said Sheila.
“I only went there to help out for a couple of weeks and then Hft offered me a job cleaning for them.”
Sheila continued as a cleaner for the charity at a number of its different offices in Sheffield before they offered her another role – on reception.
“I did two days a week on reception,” said Sheila. “And I loved it.”
After deciding she wanted a full-time job Sheila applied for a job in a nursing home, only to be approached by colleagues at Hft who suggested she become a support worker.
“I knew that support workers are very special kinds of people,” said Sheila.
“I saw it every day in my other roles. I wondered whether I was cut out for it.”
Seeing her obvious connection with the people supported by Hft, Sheila was offered a job as a relief support worker, travelling around various supported living services operated by the charity across the Sheffield area.
But it wasn’t long before Sheila, a mum of three, was given a permanent role – a job she still enjoys today at the age of 76.
“I worked at Hft’s supported living service in Cemetery Road for around 10 years and enjoyed every minute,” she said.
“Seeing the difference good support makes to peoples’ lives was just so inspiring to see first-hand.” Sheila then moved onto another service where she met a young man called Andrew who was supported by the charity.
When Andrew moved from supported living to live independently in his own flat, Sheila became part of his support team, working 14 and a half hours a week.
She supports Andrew to complete a range of tasks, such as his weekly shopping trip, as well as accompanying him on activities including trips to the cinema and wildlife parks and walks in the countryside.
This year, once again, Sheila will return to the Malinda Street supported living service in Sheffield where she will be in charge of cooking up a festive feast.
“I do the breakfast of toast and hot chocolate for everyone before I start on the Christmas lunch,” she smiled.
“It’s something I love doing, especially since losing my husband.
“The Hft team and the people we support have always been like family to me, but even more so now.
“It’s a hard day cooking the Christmas dinner for everyone, but I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Sheila says she has no plans to stop work
“I adore my job,” she said.
“I get out far, far more than what I put in. It is such a rewarding career.
“There is something about being a support worker and making a real difference to peoples’ lives that just grabs you.
“I have no desire to put my feet up. While I have got my health and my faculties I want to carry on.
“You only have one life and I think it’s important that you give what you can to others.”
In her spare time Sheila enjoys horseracing – a hobby she enjoys with her son. She also helps care for her sister Pauline and the pair like to travel together.
Sheila was presented with a special certificate, card and flowers at a long service ceremony to mark her commitment to Hft.
As a Learning Disability Support Worker you’re in a position to make a genuine, positive difference.
Whether you work with someone who needs round-the-clock support, or someone who’s living independently, your input will help them to live their life, their way.
If you are interested in finding out more about a career with Hft, visit www.hft.org.uk/jobs.
