Gabby Machell: ‘Let’s celebrate social care’

Gabby Machell is the CEO of LDN London 

‘As part of Skills For Care’s #CelebratingSocialCare month, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible work of everyone who supports a person with a learning disability.

Your dedication has a huge positive impact on many people every day.

People who work in social care are skilful, passionate, and hard-working. They are not just employees. They are supporters, advocates and often lifelines for people.

The team at LDN London and other learning disability organisations do a complex job. We help people who are often at-risk, who need a few hours or sometimes 24-hour support. We support each person in a different way that’s right for them.

Support workers need excellent communication, empathy, and the ability to build relationships.

The job can be stressful and difficult. It is about helping people who are sometimes vulnerable and might be struggling with their physical or mental health.  Supporting people well is not easy.

Many people who work in social care are humble about the important role they play.

Staff require a lot of knowledge. They need to understand about learning disabilities and associated conditions, know about medication, and the health and social care system.

To help people to live the life they want, staff also learn a unique and sometimes random mix of skills. They might learn how to write rap songs, take an interest in the history of Hammer Horror films, and develop the DIY skills to decorate an apartment.

These are just a few examples from our staff members at LDN London that come to mind.

Yet, the general public, unfortunately, don’t really know about the skills needed to work in social care – until they or their loved ones are affected.

At LDN London,we are fortunate to have an amazing team. Their commitment means that people we support live with dignity, respect, and choice.

So, I want to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supports people with learning disabilities in London and across the UK.

Thank you for making a difference every day. Let’s all celebrate that.

Find out more about getting support from LDN London: https://www.ldnlondon.org/find-support/

Work in social care with LDN London: https://www.ldnlondon.org/work-for-us/

Come to a workshop at our Community Hub: https://www.ldnlondon.org/find-support/ldn-community-hub/