Join us in celebrating International Women's Day as we shine a spotlight on the remarkable career journeys of some of our incredible customers in social care

Shining a spotlight on Lisa Stevenson, the Lead Activities Coordinator for Kingsmead Care Home

A brief backstory

Before Lisa became a mum, she was entirely dedicated to her career as a retail manager, a position she held for several years.

However, the arrival of her two sons fundamentally transformed her life and priorities. This meant taking on several part-time roles that would fit around their schedules. When her youngest son finally started school, Lisa began working for a charity called Shine, which supports women dealing with postnatal depression.

While she had never personally battled this condition, Lisa felt passionate about offering assistance to those in need, recognising the importance of mental health support during such a challenging time.

In her role at Shine, Lisa worked in the crèche, where she cared for the babies of women attending the charity's programs.

This position was especially rewarding, as it allowed mothers to engage in therapy and activities nearby, knowing their babies were well cared for.  This arrangement gave the women the peace of mind they needed, allowing them to focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing. After completing her morning shift at Shine, Lisa would head to her son's school for her afternoon job as a catering assistant.

Then, in the evenings and on weekends, Lisa worked at Asda while her husband took care of their boys at home. Lisa also managed to fit in a few hours here and there, working as a respite carer for her nephews, who are both autistic. 

How it all started

One day, Lisa's entire career changed when her friend invited her to work at the care home where she was employed. Lisa's mum had always been a carer, but Lisa didn't think she would be suited for the job. However, with her friend's encouragement, she left her retail position and began taking a few shifts at the care home.

At that time, the care home had a Lead Activities Coordinator who had a vibrant personality. He was loud and drew everyone's attention; his presence alone made everyone smile. Lisa was inspired by his work and wanted to take on the same role.

After completing her shadow shifts, the Lead Activities Coordinator went on holiday, and management informed Lisa that they didn't have any shifts available except in activities. Lisa gladly accepted the shifts. A month into her new role, the Lead Activities Coordinator left, and the role was passed on to Lisa.

When asked about the person who inspired her to continue her career in social care, Lisa responded:

''My mum inspired me to pursue this job, but my sister has been my main source of inspiration.

My sister has two children, and we became concerned that they weren't talking as they grew older. After seeking an assessment, we discovered that both of them are autistic. Learning about my nephew's autism motivated our family to undergo autism training and sign language courses, as we wanted to do everything we could to support them and help them thrive.

Today, my sister works at a school where she supports a number of autistic children. At the same time, her partner is head of the SLT unit, a team of experts that provide services for children with speech, language and communication support needs.

I also assist my sister as a respite carer for my nephews and continue serving as the Lead Activities Coordinator at a care home where some residents are non-verbal. I remain in this role because I firmly believe in advocating for individuals like my nephews who struggle to express themselves. Their impact on our lives has been tremendous, motivating my family to extend our support to others within the community. We can all make a difference by standing up for those who need our help the most.''

The benefits of this job are truly rewarding

Lisa takes great joy in her role as the Lead Activities Coordinator. One of the aspects she loves most is the deep connections she forms with the residents and the opportunities to learn about their diverse life experiences. She encounters a remarkable array of individuals throughout her work, including veterans who served bravely in World War II and extraordinary centenarians who have witnessed a century's worth of history.

''One of my favourite aspects of my job is engaging in life story work with residents who are nonverbal or living with dementia. This approach is a powerful tool for enhancing communication and understanding each resident's unique needs and wishes. Ensuring their voices and stories are heard can significantly improve their overall quality of life, promoting a sense of dignity and belonging, which is sometimes often lacking in care settings''.

Lisa provides care for 32 residents, and if you mention any of their names, she can instantly share everything you need to know about them. This includes details such as how many children they have, their careers before retiring, their breakfast preferences, and their likes and dislikes, among many other things.

Lisa's greatest strength lies in her ability to work with non-verbal individuals, a passion that drives her commitment to their care. A notable example of this strength is her work with a non-verbal resident at the care home. This resident had weekly FaceTime calls with her daughter, but since she couldn't communicate verbally, her carers would sit quietly while her daughter spoke to her.

When Lisa took over this task, she didn't want to sit there; she aimed to actively engage and encourage the lady to communicate with her daughter. Lisa invested considerable time in building a connection with the resident, and as a result, they developed a strong relationship. Eventually, through their interactions, they began using flashcards, which helped the resident start to speak.

"When I care for the residents, I can't help but think of my dad. In 2018, he fell ill, and we initially believed it was just a simple chest infection. I vividly remember him asking outside the hospital, 'I'm never coming out of here, am I?' We laughed it off, but sadly, he never did return home. This experience fuels my commitment to ensure that every resident gets the best possible care. I am passionate about taking residents outside to breathe fresh air and experience new environments. They deserve to enjoy the sights and sounds of the world, even if it's just watching people pass by on the streets.

For those who are healthy enough, I arrange swimming sessions in a hydrotherapy pool, which significantly boosts their wellbeing. We participate in a variety of activities on Person Centred Software's Wellness and Activities platform to bring joy to their days. This may be the last chapter of their lives, but it shouldn't be boring. I want to make it fun and maximise their experiences''.

What does International Women's Day mean to you? And why do you think celebrating women in social care is important? 

More than 80% of the social care workforce consists of women who are hardworking, dedicated, and skilled professionals. Many of these exceptional individuals successfully juggle the responsibilities of family life while pursuing their careers, showcasing their determination and resilience. For instance, while I strive to excel in my role, I also manage my children's needs: coordinating school pick-ups, ensuring they eat nutritious meals, and ensuring they participate in their after-school activities. This balancing act is never-ending.

Recognising the effort involved in managing a career and family life is essential. I care for two children in addition to my responsibilities for 32 residents. Celebrating this commitment is important, as it highlights the dedication and resilience of women in social care—qualities that deserve acknowledgement and appreciation.

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