23rd September 2024
Sanctuary Supported Living
Support Assistant, Lauryn Luisada
In honour of National Inclusion Week, we’re sharing the inspiring story of Support Assistant, Lauryn, whose commitment to helping others has made a lasting impact at Oleander House.
Lauryn applied for a job at Oleander House just over a year ago, driven by her passion for making a difference in people’s lives and her personal experiences of living with Down syndrome. Although she had no prior experience in supported living, she brought a wealth of knowledge from her education and earlier work in childcare.
“At a young age, I always wanted to help others,” Lauryn shares. “Studying Child Care and Health and Social Care at college inspired me to work in a field where I could make a positive impact, especially for those with disabilities like mine.”
From the moment Lauryn joined the team at Oleander House, her caring nature and enthusiasm to support adults with learning disabilities has been evident in every aspect of her work. Her unique perspective enriches her approach to care and support, enabling her to empathise and connect with customers, and excel at encouraging them to develop their skills and live as independently as possible.
Her commitment to her role shines through in her interactions with both customers and colleagues. “I’ve made genuine friends amongst my colleagues,” Lauryn says. “We work really well together as a team, and the support we give each other makes the job even more enjoyable.” She adds: “The best part of my job is seeing customers smile and laugh; it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey and to see their confidence grow.”
"Everyone is unique and brings something different to the table"
Lauryn believes that everyone’s unique qualities contribute to a richer, more inclusive workplace, and she exemplifies how we can embrace individuality in meaningful ways. She is not defined by any one aspect of her identity; rather, her diverse experiences and qualities enrich the community and workplace at Oleander House. “It’s important to remember that everyone is unique and brings something different to the table. At work, we should include everyone and treat everyone equally,” she says. “What’s really important is that I feel valued and part of the team.”
Her time at the learning disability service in Telford has been marked by significant achievements, including supporting customers with moving into new residences and contributing to the introduction of digital social care records. She has completed numerous qualifications during her time with Sanctuary Supported Living, further enhancing her skills and knowledge.
For those considering a career in supported living, Lauryn’s advice is simple: “Give it a shot if it’s something you’ve always wanted to do. You never know how well you might do if you don’t try.”
This National Inclusion Week, we are reminded of our daily mission - to cultivate inclusive and vibrant environments where everyone is valued and empowered to be their best.
If you want to find out more about a rewarding career with Sanctuary Supported Living, you can read our staff stories, see our jobs page, or view our current vacancies.
Download printable PDF (420KB) version of this story.
