We’re delighted to celebrate Support Worker James Carney, who has successfully completed his Level 3 NVQ in Adult Social Care—an important milestone in both his professional and personal journey.

James joined Lisieux Trust in the summer of 2022 and has since built valuable experience across different services. He began his career in supported living before moving into residential care at Lisieux House, where he continues to develop his skills within a supportive team. Reflecting on this transition, he shared: “I like the team, and I get on with the tenants… there’s some challengingness to it, but I kind of enjoy that.”

James began the qualification around a year ago, balancing his studies alongside his role at the charity. With sessions scheduled every two weeks, he credits the support he received for helping him stay on track. “It involved attending the course every second Wednesday that the Trust, with my manager Marie,  thankfully arranged for me… it really made it easier,” he explained.

Like many people combining work and study, James faced challenges along the way. Although deadlines shifted, his determination never wavered. With the support of his tutors, he persevered and completed all his assignments. “I’ve got all the assignments in just recently… they confirmed that, yes, I have passed,” he said, as he now looks forward to receiving his certificate.

The impact of the qualification has already made a difference in his day-to-day work. James described how the learning has strengthened his confidence and understanding: “It’s made me in my job more aware… I just feel like I’m more connected to my job now, because the coursework… brings to life elements of the work that you’re doing.”

Working in social care requires a unique balance of professionalism and empathy, something James feels he has developed further through his studies. “We have a job which is unusual… it’s informal because you’re in somebody’s home, but you’re still there as a professional. It’s a strange balance that you need to strike.” His reflections highlight the complexity and importance of person-centred support.

For James, this achievement also represents something deeply personal. “This is the first adult education that I’ve ever completed… so this is actually quite important for me that I got something to completion,” he shared. It marks not just the end of a course, but a significant moment of progress and self-belief.

Looking ahead, James is already thinking about the future. With ambitions to progress into senior roles and potentially complete a Level 5 qualification, he is taking a thoughtful, steady approach to his development. “I want to do it when it’s the right time… in five years… I can imagine maybe being a deputy manager.”

For James, this milestone represents both personal achievement and professional growth. With this in place, he continues to build his skills and experience, supporting people with confidence while developing his future in social care.