For Ufouma, working in care didn’t begin with a job advert or a career plan. It began at home.
When her mother-in-law experienced a stroke, Ufouma stepped in to help. The experience was challenging at times, but it also revealed something important about herself. Supporting someone through recovery, helping with everyday routines and celebrating the small moments of progress showed her just how powerful compassionate support can be.
As she reflects on that time now, she explains that it changed the direction of her life. She said, “I supported my mother-in-law when she struggled with a stroke,” she says. “That experience just increased my love to support people in need.”
Watching someone regain confidence and independence, even in small steps, brought a sense of purpose she hadn’t expected. She continued, “It gives me joy. When milestones are being achieved, I feel that sense of satisfaction.”
That feeling stayed with her and eventually led her to explore care careers at ivolve, where she could turn that passion into something lasting.
Finding belonging at Norton House
More than three years ago, Ufouma joined ivolve as a Support Worker at Norton House. Looking back, she describes that decision as the beginning of a completely new chapter.
Before joining, she had experienced workplaces where she didn’t feel fully welcomed. Starting somewhere new naturally came with some uncertainty, but the reception she received at Norton House quickly put those worries at ease, “since I started working at Norton House, I’ve been welcomed as part of the team,” she explains.
Managers, Team Leaders and colleagues all played a part in helping her build confidence in the role. From learning new processes to simply knowing someone was there to ask for help, the support network around her made a huge difference. With a smile, she said, “you never feel alone here.”
That sense of teamwork is something she believes defines the experience of care careers at ivolve.
Supporting people to live meaningful lives
As a Support Worker, no two days look exactly the same for Ufouma. Her role focuses on helping people live as independently and confidently as possible.
That can include helping people attend appointments, supporting daily living skills or encouraging activities they enjoy. But for Ufouma, the heart of the role is about connection. “We support them with activities - things they like doing, things they enjoy,” she says. Sometimes that means helping someone try something new. Other times, it simply means being there to provide reassurance and encouragement. “We go with them as emotional, moral and physical support,” she explains.
Through this support, people can build confidence, maintain independence and feel part of their communities. For Ufouma, that’s what makes a Support Worker career so meaningful. She said, “we support people to live independently and feel like part of society. That makes my heart happy!”.
Teamwork, support and celebrating progress
If you ask Ufouma what makes Norton House - the residential home in Sheffield where she works - special, her answer comes quickly: the people and the teamwork.“Teamwork makes the dream work,” she says with a laugh.
For Ufouma, that teamwork shows up in many ways, from colleagues supporting one another on shift to celebrating the achievements of the people they support. At Norton House, every step forward matters, and progress is always recognised. “The team make sure every milestone for every person we support, and every colleague, is celebrated,” she explains. “No matter how small it might seem.”
That culture of encouragement creates a positive and motivating environment where everyone feels valued. But it also becomes especially important during more challenging moments. Ufouma remembers a time when one of the people she supported was going through a difficult period.
With support from our PBS team, together, they introduced structured activities and supportive routines designed around the person’s needs. “They explained some activities to do with this person and how to bring them into their routine,” Ufouma recalls. With the right approach in place, things began to improve, and the impact was clear. “The person we support is doing well now,” she says proudly. “They are thriving.”
For Ufouma, moments like this capture what working in care is really about: people coming together, sharing knowledge and supporting one another to help someone live a happier and more stable life. Because care careers at ivolve are built on collaboration, compassion and celebrating progress every step of the way.
The kindness that helps people grow
Starting a new job in care can feel daunting, especially when everything is unfamiliar. Ufouma still remembers one colleague who made a lasting impression during her first month.
That colleague made a point of checking in every shift, asking if she needed help or guidance. “She would always ask me, ‘Are you struggling with anything? Do you want me to help? Should I show you how to do it?’”
Those simple moments of kindness helped Ufouma gain confidence and learn quickly. “She really was a big help and support system to me,” she says.
Experiences like this show how the culture of support extends beyond the people we support - it’s also felt within the team. And as one of our core values, kindness is something we champion every day across the organisation.
Looking ahead - and reflecting on the journey so far
Ufouma’s journey in care is still unfolding. While she loves her role as a Support Worker today, she also sees it as the starting point for something much bigger.
“I’m looking forward to growing my career in the care sector,” she says. With the training, mentorship and development opportunities available through ivolve, Ufouma hopes to continue building her skills and progressing into leadership roles over time. Her ambition is to move into a Team Leader position and eventually step into management, continuing to support others while helping teams grow and succeed.
That kind of progression is exactly what care careers at ivolve are designed to support - giving people the opportunity to develop professionally while making a meaningful difference every day.
Along the way, Ufouma has also experienced the kind of support that turns a workplace into something more than just a job. When she faced challenges with her visa, she says the team around her stood firmly by her side during what was a worrying and uncertain time.
“I want to say thank you to my manager Sarah and the Team Leaders, as well as ivolve as a whole,” she says. “They really supported me when I was struggling with my visa issues. It was a worrying time for me, and they all stood by me.”
Moments like that have shaped how Ufouma sees her career at ivolve. When asked to sum up her experience so far, her answer comes with simple honesty. “Working at ivolve is amazing.”
Because for Ufouma, this isn’t just a job. It’s a place where compassion becomes a career, where teams lift each other up, and where every achievement - no matter how big or small - is celebrated together.
Start your own career in care
Inspired by Ufouma’s journey? Whether you’re new to care or looking to grow your experience, ivolve offers opportunities to build a meaningful career supporting people to live fulfilling lives.
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