It really warms my heart to help other people. I started working as a carer when I was just 17 and I'd begun doing an NVQ to specialise in dementia. I stayed in the job for the next 27 years, but I decided to leave when I became a mum because it's really important for you to be consistent when you're a carer - you need to be reliable to the people you're helping. Now my youngest is going into full-time education, so I'll time to get back into work again!
There were so many personalities among the people I worked with. We brought everything they wanted from their home: their pet, an old chair, even their curtains! We wanted it to feel as much like home as possible. For those who weren't happy coming to the home, I used to tell them to imagine it was just like a holiday - only one they had to stay on! That would make them laugh a little, which was a big step towards them feeling ok. I had a really strong relationship with some of the people I worked with. There were a few who wouldn't get out of bed unless it was me getting them ready for the day - we sometimes had to change my shifts so I'd be there!
I know caring doesn't look like a glamorous job from the outside, but it is a really special role. We help to make sure our patients keep making choices in their lives, are cared for and continue to be treated as humans.
I'm currently living in private accommodation but at some point my three kids and I are going to be evicted as the owner wants the house back. The process has been delayed by some months because of the lockdown, but it's likely to happen at the end of the year. As I'm on benefits at the moment, I've been told that we'll probably end up being moved into temporary accommodation for the long-term.
I really want to avoid this from happening to us, so I'm working with Beam to get support getting back into work and getting into another private accommodation. Things were a little overwhelming before I met them, particularly over the lockdown when I was taking care of my kids by myself. But meeting Beam has made me hopeful that things can improve, and that I can get a job again and provide for my kids.
Kerry is working with Beam because she's at risk of homelessness.