Naomi Dent
Durham,Durham
Summary
I am able to deliver person-centred support to individuals with diverse needs, promoting independence, confidence and meaningful daily engagement. I help to build inclusive experiences through community-based activities, creative sessions and tailored encouragement that improve wellbeing. I plan and lead engaging courses and events that develop skills, spark interest and give service users opportunities to achieve. I produce sensory displays, murals and performances that strengthen inclusion, pride and community connection.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Support worker
Inspiring Lives
Durham, Durham
05.2022 - Current
- I support individuals in a development centre to do meaningful activities that they have an interest in.
- I plan and run courses to build confidence and improve skills. These include photography, history and hiking, art, drama, cookery and conservation.
- I change the window display to reflect our clients achievements and hard work. It is a place where they can display the end product of what activities they have been busy with. It also helps them to be part of the community. People often stop to compliment them. This fills our clients with of pride.
- Our clients put on a talent show and a pantomime each year. This is a wonderful opportunity for family members to come in and celebrate how much their loved ones have grown and to see the new skills they have learned. I am responsible for leading our clients in painting the backdrops, making costumes and props, makeup, learning lines and directing the performance from backstage.
- I lead our clients to paint murals around the building. They are all sensory and interactive making them inclusive for all.
- I am responsible for picking up and dropping off our clients at the beginning and end of the day.
- I write risk assessments for each activity I plan to ensure everyone is safe and all potential risks have been addressed before the activity.
- We were recently inspected by Durham County Council. We received a score of 90 out of 100. My manager thanked me for all the activities that I ran because they were particularly impressed by the art and displays around the centre. Our success made us officially the highest scored in the North East.
Support Worker
St Annes Community Services
Durham, Durham
10.2012 - 06.2022
- As well as the usual role of supporting with daily tasks, it was here during covid I discovered I had a real talent as an artist. the clients were really struggling with the isolation and boredom, both living with autism. They needed sensory stimulation. Every evening when I returned home from work, I went into my garage and began making sensory items to create a garden for them. It included all five of the senses and was filled with colour and light. I made instruments, puzzles a cosy place in the summer house with things to touch. I made a fluffy tree with calming lights. They used that space all through lockdown. I was awarded employee of the year for the work that I did.
- Provided personalised care and support to individuals with diverse needs, enhancing their quality of life.
- Administered medication accurately and safely, following strict healthcare protocols to maintain client well-being.
- Offered emotional support and companionship, reducing feelings of isolation among clients.
- Encouraged service users to be independent and active members of society.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge, staying informed about best practices in care.
- Escorted clients to shops, appointments and special events, tailoring service to meet mobility and personal needs of individuals.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and mobility, promoting independence.
Education
NVQ Level 2 - The Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care
cache
N/A01-2023
NVQ Level 3 - Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults)
cache, Ofqual
N/A01-2018
NVQ Level 2 - Understanding Autism
ncfe
N/A01-2017
Access to Higher Education
Bishop Auckland College
Durham01-2008
NVQ Level 2 - Health an Social Care
City and Guilds
N/A01-2006
Certificate of Higher Education - Primary Education Studies
University of Sunderland
SunderlandSkills
- Activity planning
- Risk assessment
- Person centred care
- Community inclusion
- Dealing with vulnerable clients
- Respect for diversity
- Creative problem solving
- reliable and trustworthy
- resilience in difficult situations
Timeline
Support worker
Inspiring Lives
05.2022 - Current
Support Worker
St Annes Community Services
10.2012 - 06.2022
NVQ Level 2 - The Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care
cache
NVQ Level 3 - Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults)
cache, Ofqual
NVQ Level 2 - Understanding Autism
ncfe
Access to Higher Education
Bishop Auckland College
NVQ Level 2 - Health an Social Care
City and Guilds
Certificate of Higher Education - Primary Education Studies
University of Sunderland