Whytleaf

Registered Manager

Tracey Barnard

I started working for social services about 25 years ago, I supported people with a learning disability in their own homes. I left there after about five years to have my son. When my son was 1 I decided to look for work again. In the local paper there was a Saturday night awake advertised, so thought I would enquire.

I came for the interview, I found out the home was called Brandon house, and that is what I had named my son. I then learnt it was a mental health home, and straight away thought I would not be able to do that.

I had my interview and was offered the job the same day, after having a tour of the home I thought I would give t a try as all the residents seemed so nice. So, I started as Saturday night awake 17 years ago. After a couple of years I decided to increase my hours, and picked up a couple of evening shifts. I completed my NVQ2 and went on to do NVQ3. Once my son started school I then picked up some day shifts and became team leader.

In 2014 I was asked if I would like to do the NVQ5 in leadership and social care, which I completed in 2015. The manager that was here then had started thinking about retiring, so I was asked if I would train to take over. I agreed as a trial as the thought up taking over was quite nerve racking for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Brandon house, and find mental health quite challenging but also very rewarding.

Over the years I have completed several long distant courses, including:

Medication,

Health and safety,

Infection control,

Dementia,

Mental health awareness,

End of life.