‘Don’t ever put yourself down’: How Amy Ideson became a Service Manager at Lifeways
Being a lorry driver, instead of working in support, was initially Amy Ideson’s career plan.
But Amy, who’s now a Service Manager supporting 13 people in Halifax, now says she’s in the support sector for the long haul.
“Driving a lorry’s not rewarding in the same way support is,” says Amy.
So how did Amy get here?
Amy had become a full-time mum at the age of 19 and then again at 21. When her two children started school, Amy trained as a hairdresser, and then worked her way up to become a night manager at a supermarket.
In 2019, Amy then decided her next steps: to become a lorry driver, but to temporarily take up what she calls a ‘stop-gap day job’ as a Lifeways support worker near her home in Halifax.
However, Amy soon found herself flourishing within the role, and after a year, was promoted to become a Team Leader.
Another direction
Amy still planned to become a truck driver – and last May, gained her Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) licence.
Yet her career at Lifeways saw her take another direction. “I don’t like to be complacent in my role,” says Amy.
“I could see myself getting bored of trucking and driving constantly,” she adds. “I like to try different things. I like to be challenged.”
Ready for a new challenge, Amy decided to apply late last year to become a Service Manager, a role that would see her manage four supported living services in Halifax.
Amy’s application was successful, and she was promoted to Service Manager in February.
Since then, she’s also started her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care, which she studies for alongside her Lifeways role.
The Level 5 Diploma is aimed at individuals wishing to step into the more senior role of Registered Manager.
‘A very supportive team’
“I like to progress,” says Amy. “Anything that comes my way, I like to have a go.” Having got to know the 13 individuals she supports, her support team of 31 colleagues, and her Area Manager Laura Hughes, Amy plans to continue her career progression at Lifeways.
“We have a very supportive team,” says Amy. “Knowing that you can go to people when you need support is the main thing for me.”
Amy’s confident that you can achieve whatever goal you set for yourself. “I'm very much of the mindset that if I can do it, anyone can do it,” says Amy.
“I've surprised myself along the way. There's lot of times when I doubt myself, and it’s actually a very strong thing to have his self-doubt, because you push yourself a lot more.”
Amy adds: “Challenge yourself. There's nothing that you can't do.” Thanks for sharing your career story, Amy!
About Lifeways:
Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of support professionals providing support for adults in the community.
We support adults with diverse and complex needs, including learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and mental health conditions.
As the supported living sector’s largest team of professionals, Lifeways’ extensive experience and national reach mean we deliver extraordinary support to adults, enabling them to live fulfilling and independent lives in the community.
Our 11,000 colleagues currently support almost 5,000 individuals who live in our 1,500 supported living and residential services across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Find out more about how we change people's lives at: www.lifeways.co.uk
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