Amanda Philips, a Support Worker at Petty Pool in the Community, shares the events of a typical day in her life.
In the heart of Petty Pool in the Community, each day unfolds with purpose as support workers like Amanda Philips strive to make a meaningful impact. Their mission is clear: to uplift and empower their members, encouraging them to reach for the stars and believe in their potential, even when self-doubt clouds their vision.
A typical day is far from ordinary, filled with diverse activities that foster growth and forge connections. Amanda and her team are dedicated to making every moment count. The heartfelt feedback from a recent outing—“This is the best day of my life”—is a testament to their unwavering commitment.
“The best feedback we had from a day out recently was “This is the best day of my life”. Not sure you can top that! It makes all our hard work as support workers worthwhile. ”
– Amanda Philips, Support Worker, PPC
A Dynamic Start to the Day
Every morning at Petty Pool in the Community (PPC) begins with a team chat before our members arrive. While this ritual may sound familiar, it’s where the similarities end! Each day at PPC is unique, and if you’ve joined us on a Friday, you already know this. You can never get bored in our work, as there is always something to keep you on your toes.
As the members arrive in their taxis, we spring into action, wearing our bright hi-vis vests, to warmly greet each guest with a friendly “Good morning”. While some may respond with a smile, others may not, and that’s perfectly okay. It’s important to remember that in our line of work, we cannot take anything personally.
When everyone has gathered the excitement starts, and we get ready for a fun-filled day.
A Day of Adventure and Connection
Every day is an exciting journey for us as we split into two lively groups, each with its own adventures! Our main group dives into a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to travel training, fitness, cooking, and fantastic days out.
Meanwhile, our gardening group, which is a bit smaller, rolls up their sleeves to help maintain local spaces. They visit wonderful spots like Marbury Park, The Joshua Tree, Delamere Station, and even tend to their own allotment.
As we head off in different directions, it’s comforting to know that we’re just a phone call away from each other. Having that support makes all the difference in our day!
Embracing the Unexpected
As a support worker, no two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes this job so exciting! One day, you might find yourself in your pajamas, hosting a cosy slumber party filled with laughter and fun. The next, you could be off to the airport, watching planes soar through the sky while engaging in lively conversations with our members.
Flexibility is key in this role; we wear many hats—from counsellor, taxi driver, class clown, hobby enthusiast, teacher, parent, friend, helper, supporter and the list could carry on. Showing our genuine interest in what our members talk about is crucial. Our members are passionate about their interests, and it’s essential for us to show genuine curiosity about what they love. Listening is a big part of our job, and we’re constantly learning from our members, just as we hope they learn from us.
Navigating the Ups and Downs of Support
Of course, not every day sparkles with positivity. There are times when challenges arise, and it can feel exhausting. However, it’s during these tough moments that our members truly need us. We step up to support them in any way we can, even when things don’t go as planned.
Each day wraps up with a little time for reflection. Once our members head home, we often gather as a team to unwind and share our experiences, discuss the day’s events and lend each other the support we all need. Despite the ups and downs, the rewarding moments make it all worthwhile, reminding us why we love what we do.
Discover more about Petty Pool in the Community by visiting this link.