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The Magazine for Working Abroad and Taking a Gap Year
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BACK
ISSUES
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| Why
Life's a Beach for Debbie |
The
nearest Debbie Irving got to Antigua was the glossy calendar
on her office wall - until she decided on a dramatic career
change and started work with Lancaster specialist care agency
Origin.
Since making the move, Debbie of Whitehaven has spent
two weeks in the Caribbean - all expenses paid - as well
as travelling extensively around England.
 Like
many people, Debbie knew there was more to life than her
office job with Nuclear Electric at Sellafield, Cumbria.
But it was only after hearing from a friend who worked as
a personal care assistant with Origin what an interesting
job it was that she decided to find out more.
Origin's three day training course allayed any fears Debbie
had about how she'd cope with the responsibilities of caring
for a spinally injured person.
Said Debbie: "The course gave me all the information
and practical skills I needed.
"I'd never even changed a baby's nappy before but within
a few days of my first placement my initial concerns were
unfounded."
Since joining Origin in August 2001, Debbie's undertaken
a number of short term jobs as a respite carer - supporting
a client while their regular carer is on holiday or away
for some other reason.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed all my placements with both
male and female clients but the highlight of the year must
be the trip to Antigua!" she said.
"I accompanied a very charming, independent lady and
her partner and helped with travel arrangements, holiday
activities and personal care.
"I was lucky to have every evening off and had great
fun sampling Caribbean nightlife on a really beautiful island
where everyone was so friendly.
"It was a terrific experience and I can't wait for
another assignment like that one," added Debbie.
Looking back on her new job with Origin, she's obviously
glad to have made the move into a fulfilling new career.
"I remember my friend telling me what a great job she
was having travelling, meeting lost of interesting people,
and doing something different everyday.
"It seemed a fabulous job, particularly as I was single,
living at home and looking for something other than a regular
9 - 5 job office job.
"After attending the course, I knew it was something
I'd love to do. I gave a month's notice at work and now
I'm enjoying every minute in my new job as a personal care
assistant."
Debbie highlighted one aspect of working for Origin which
she especially likes - helping support spinally injured
people to live independent lives.
"That's vital for many of them, and I've made some
good friends, so much so I've already been back to support
some of my early clients."
About Origin
Origin offers both respite and long term care for spinally
injured adults throughout the UK. Its male and female carers
offer the support they need to live independent lives and
do things the able bodied take for granted like going to
work, shopping, having a meal or taking a holiday. Great
care is taken to 'match' carers with clients to ensure both
parties are compatible in terms of age, interests and abilities.
For further information
Please contact 01524 34100 or visit www.origincare.com
Peter Henry, Origin Limited, 7.0.6. Cameron House, White
Cross, Lancaster, Lancs.LA1 4XQ
Tel: 01524 34100 Fax: 01524 34300. |
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