2023-01-19 14:54:34
Social care – an unlikely but rewarding career path for young musician
When Sam Toms’ music career came to a halt at the hands of the Covid-19 pandemic, he was forced to make a quick decision on what to do next. This decision led him to support work in adult social care and he has since fully immersed himself in his new career. Sam is hoping to inspire others to do the same to address the workforce crisis in social care.
Sam has been working as a support worker for national learning disability Hft for a year and a half. He helps run the Market Harborough day service, supporting adults with learning disabilities with a number of activities and day trips, from swimming to bowling, and sailing to arts and crafts.
Sam explains, “Every day is a lot of fun and is filled with constant laughter. My favourite recent event has to be the talent show we put on for Hft’s 60th anniversary towards the end of last year. We helped all the acts find costumes for their performances and I was even persuaded to compère the entire show. It was just like Stars in Their Eyes and it was brilliant. I loved it.”
However, social care was not always in Sam’s plans. Prior to joining Hft, Sam was focused solely on his music career, having played in bands ever since he left school. He had toured the world performing in gigs as far as Asia and South America.
Yet, when the Covid-19 pandemic began, this all stopped suddenly. With gigs coming to a universal halt, Sam had no income and was forced to make a quick decision about his career.
Having both a sister and a friend who are support workers, Sam decided to seriously consider a similar role and felt he found a good fit when his friend showed him the work Hft does. In the beginning, Sam admittedly only saw support work as a temporary fix; he thought he could pick up work between tours and reap the benefits of being both a support worker and a touring musician.
Now though, he is set on a future in social care and thinks others should consider just how rewarding it can be.
He says, “I was previously so obsessed with music that I couldn’t see anything beyond it. But now I really love this job and getting to change people’s lives on daily basis is so incredibly rewarding. I get just as much out of it as the people we support do.
“Of course, it can be hard work but seeing the people we support respond to greater freedom and control is undoubtedly worth it. You’ll only truly understand how rewarding it can be if you do it yourself.
“To all those young people who don’t really know what they want to do – I get it. But if you’re good with people and want to do something that really makes a difference, support work might be an option for you. I would definitely recommend it. It’s a great thing to do.”
If you are interested in finding out more about a career supporting people with learning disabilities to lead the best life possible, visit hft.org.uk/jobs.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
