Andrea joined our Springfield Home almost four years ago, after a career that had taken her in many different directions. She had worked as a Sales Co-ordinator for a Scandinavian design company for 15 years, managing major retail accounts including Tesco, before moving into roles as a Benefits Advisor with St David's Hospice and the Jobcentre. She also spent five years working as a stewardess at a local rugby club.

Life took an unexpected turn when Andrea's husband suffered a severe heart attack. Now living with a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) while awaiting a heart transplant, he needed full-time support and Andrea made the difficult decision to leave her job to care for him.

When the time came to return to work, Andrea was simply looking for a part-time role. She posted on Facebook asking if anyone knew of any opportunities and a member of the Springfield team got in touch to say they were recruiting. Andrea came along for an interview without really knowing what the role involved. "It was completely different from anything I'd done before. I honestly didn't know what to expect." Looking back, she has just one regret. "I only wish I'd done it sooner."

Although Andrea had supported family members with disabilities over the years, she worried that she didn't have the qualifications needed to work in care. Those concerns quickly disappeared. "The company encouraged me to complete my QCF Level 2 and then my Level 3. I think qualifications can put people off, especially later in life when you've been out of education for years, but it really wasn't as scary as I thought. The support was there every step of the way." That encouragement gave Andrea the confidence to develop new skills and build a career she never imagined she would love so much.

Her commitment was soon recognised when she was nominated for the Best Newcomer Award at the Great British Care Awards."It was such a lovely feeling to be recognised." For Andrea, however, the greatest reward comes from seeing the people she supports thrive. "I love seeing our residents laughing, smiling and making memories. Being part of those moments is the best part of my job."

As a Support Worker, Andrea has seen first-hand how the right support can transform someone's life. She recalls one resident who arrived feeling anxious, wasn't sleeping and barely drank anything. "Within a month she'd settled in so well. We learned how she communicated through her hand movements and gestures because she isn't verbal. Watching someone become comfortable, happy and confident is incredibly rewarding."

Springfield has become much more than a workplace for Andrea. "It really does feel like a home from home. The residents, their families and the staff are like one big family. It doesn't feel like going to work every day - it feels like coming home."

Andrea says it is impossible not to become attached to the people she supports. "I'm not here for the money - I'm here because I love what I do. Seeing someone's wellbeing improve, helping them experience things for the first time and watching them flourish makes everything worthwhile."

Reflecting on the journey that brought her into care, Andrea believes life has a way of leading you where you're meant to be. "My life took a completely different direction, but it's given me something I never had before - a real sense of purpose. I genuinely feel like I'm making a difference every single day."

For anyone considering a career in care but worried about qualifications or starting something new later in life, Andrea has a simple message:

"Go for it. You'll receive all the support you need, and it could be the most rewarding decision you ever make."