James Alderson

My Role at KEYFORT: Regional Team Lead / Support Worker My Career Path: I hope to continue to develop my role within the company, providing the best possible care to the people we support. Why Social Care? I have tried various different jobs in other sectors of work over the years but always felt like […]

My Role at KEYFORT:
Regional Team Lead / Support Worker

My Career Path:
I hope to continue to develop my role within the company, providing the best possible care to the people we support.

Why Social Care?
I have tried various different jobs in other sectors of work over the years but always felt like social care was my home. I get an unparalleled sense of job satisfaction from helping people and working for KEYFORT allows me to do something I am extremely passionate about.

Back

Olive Okezie

As a case manager, I am responsible for assessing individual needs, developing comprehensive care plans, and overseeing the delivery of tailored support packages that enhance the quality of life for the people we support. Alongside my role as a Case Manager, I also serve as the Equality and Diversity Lead. In this position, I champion […]

As a case manager, I am responsible for assessing individual needs, developing comprehensive care plans, and overseeing the delivery of tailored support packages that enhance the quality of life for the people we support. Alongside my role as a Case Manager, I also serve as the Equality and Diversity Lead. In this position, I champion inclusive practices and seek to promote a culture of respect, equity, and empowerment

My Career Path

Transitioning from a background in education into the health and social care industry has been a natural and deeply fulfilling journey for me. My career in health and social care started as a Specialist Support Worker, where I provided support for individuals with complex needs, ensuring they received person-centred care that promoted independence and dignity. My dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to the people I support earned me the opportunity to progress into the role of Team Lead. In that capacity, I was responsible for supervising staff, coordinating care delivery, and ensuring that the people we support consistently received high-quality support. Now, as a Case Manager, I take a more strategic and holistic approach to care.

My journey through various levels of responsibility has deepened my understanding of care delivery from the ground up, and I continue to approach each role with integrity, passion, and a drive for excellence. My commitment to compassion, professionalism, and continuous growth defines my journey—and I am excited to continue making a difference, one life at a time.

Why Social Care?

My decision to pursue a career in social care stems from a lifelong passion for making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. With a background in education, I was already deeply invested in nurturing growth, promoting wellbeing, and helping individuals reach their full potential. However, over time, I felt a growing desire to expand my impact beyond the classroom — to support people more holistically, particularly those facing complex challenges in their daily lives. Social care offered that opportunity. This industry allows me to extend my impact in even more tangible and life-changing ways, and I embrace this responsibility with dedication and heart.

Back

Hannah Sowerby

As a Case Manager in the North West, I oversee multiple cases, working closely with individuals, support workers, next of kin, and other professionals to ensure we provide safe, person-centred care. My journey at KEYFORT began as a Regional Team Lead, supporting an individual with behaviours of concern. This experience led me to my current […]

As a Case Manager in the North West, I oversee multiple cases, working closely with individuals, support workers, next of kin, and other professionals to ensure we provide safe, person-centred care. My journey at KEYFORT began as a Regional Team Lead, supporting an individual with behaviours of concern. This experience led me to my current role, where I continue to advocate for and coordinate high-quality support.

My Career Path

I hold a degree in Working with Children and Families, during which I volunteered in a Category C men’s prison, organising family fun days to strengthen connections between incarcerated individuals and their children. This experience sparked my interest in Criminology, leading me to pursue a master’s degree in the field. After graduating, I worked in social housing, helping vulnerable individuals find safe and supportive living environments.

Why Social Care?

Social care is about empowering individuals to live life to the fullest. In my role, I collaborate with allied professionals to understand and meet the unique needs of those we support, ensuring they receive the highest quality of care. Helping people achieve independence and well-being is what drives my passion for this field.

Back

Kayleigh Tidball

As an ACE Coordinator at KEYFORT, I studied Forensic Psychology and, I now manage a large caseload of individuals with complex needs. I work alongside universities across the North East to provide academic support for students, assist individuals in employment to maintain independence, and oversee community-based support for a diverse range of people, including those […]

As an ACE Coordinator at KEYFORT, I studied Forensic Psychology and, I now manage a large caseload of individuals with complex needs. I work alongside universities across the North East to provide academic support for students, assist individuals in employment to maintain independence, and oversee community-based support for a diverse range of people, including those with Autism, ADHD, Muscular Dystrophy, sight impairments, acquired brain injuries, and nursing needs.

My Career Path

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked as a support worker, and throughout university, I gained experience supporting children with special educational needs through summer roles. After graduating, I transitioned directly into my current role at KEYFORT, where I’ve been able to apply my skills in a professional setting.

Why Social Care?

Social care is about empowering individuals to live independently and reach their full potential. My role allows me to work closely with multidisciplinary professionals, including psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers, to ensure person-centred care. From managing support staff and overseeing service delivery to recruitment and detailed support planning, every aspect of my job contributes to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Back

Danielle Haldane

I am currently a Director at KEYFORT and have been with the company for 13 years. My role involves overseeing operations, ensuring service quality, and driving the organisation’s vision to support individuals in both Academic/Employment Services and Community Services. My Career Path I began my journey at KEYFORT as a Rehab Worker while studying Psychology […]

I am currently a Director at KEYFORT and have been with the company for 13 years. My role involves overseeing operations, ensuring service quality, and driving the organisation’s vision to support individuals in both Academic/Employment Services and Community Services.

My Career Path

I began my journey at KEYFORT as a Rehab Worker while studying Psychology at Northumbria University, seeking hands-on experience. Wanting to progress further, I moved into an Assistant Psychologist role, where I applied my academic knowledge by working closely with a Clinical Psychologist to implement various strategies and interventions.

As I continued to grow within the organisation, I became increasingly interested in the Academic division. I transitioned into the Service Manager role, followed by Head of Operations. Recognising that social care was the right career path for me, I was placed on a development plan to become a director, gaining invaluable experience along the way.

Why Social Care?

Social care offers a dynamic and fulfilling career, allowing me to make a real impact on people’s lives. My journey from frontline roles to leadership has reinforced the importance of providing high-quality, person-centred support. KEYFORT has given me the opportunity to grow, develop, and contribute to an industry that truly makes a difference.

Back

Ellie Metcalfe

I joined KEYFORT September 2024, as a Rehabilitation Support Worker. My role involves assisting clients with meal preparation, medication, and accessing the community while helping them maintain relationships with their families. My Career Path I recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at LJMU and, I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at UCLan. […]

I joined KEYFORT September 2024, as a Rehabilitation Support Worker. My role involves assisting clients with meal preparation, medication, and accessing the community while helping them maintain relationships with their families.

My Career Path

I recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Psychology at LJMU and, I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at UCLan. Throughout my studies, I have gained hands-on experience in various settings, including a drug and alcohol service, a psychiatric inpatient hospital, and my current role as a school counsellor. These experiences have allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in real-world settings, deepening my passion for working with individuals with complex needs. My commitment to delivering person-centred support ultimately led me to my role at KEYFORT.

Why Social Care?

Social care is about seeing the bigger picture while keeping the individual at the heart of the support provided. The opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day, helping clients regain independence and lead fulfilling lives, is incredibly rewarding. My role also provides valuable experience working alongside clinicians such as Speech and Language Therapists, Psychologists, and Occupational Therapists. KEYFORT fosters a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional development while making a real difference in the lives of the people we support.

Back

Amber Tait

Alongside studying for my psychology degree, I work for KEYFORT, and the experience has been invaluable to my studies. Supporting individuals from different backgrounds with diverse needs has given me real world insight into human behaviour, enhancing my academic understanding. I genuinely enjoy my job and love knowing that every shift allows me to make […]

Alongside studying for my psychology degree, I work for KEYFORT, and the experience has been invaluable to my studies. Supporting individuals from different backgrounds with diverse needs has given me real world insight into human behaviour, enhancing my academic understanding.

I genuinely enjoy my job and love knowing that every shift allows me to make a positive impact on someone’s life. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is seeing the difference I can make. It has also helped me discover new skills, I’ve become more compassionate and understanding, and my communication skills have improved significantly. I now feel confident speaking with a wide range of people, thanks to the variety of interactions this role has offered.

KEYFORT is a fantastic place to work. The organisation provides exceptional care and ensures staff are well-supported. There’s always someone available to help, and any concerns I’ve had have been addressed quickly. The team is welcoming, supportive, and always willing to guide me in the right direction.

Key Skills Gained:

  • Communication – Confidence in speaking with a variety of people, active listening
  • Empathy & Compassion – Understanding and supporting individuals facing different challenges
  • Adaptability – Adjusting to different needs and situations in a person-centred way
  • Problem-Solving – Thinking on my feet to provide effective support
  • Teamwork & Support – Feeling part of a strong, supportive team that works together to provide outstanding care

Working at KEYFORT has been an amazing experience, shaping both my professional and personal growth while allowing me to make a real difference.

Back

Lucy Woodhead

I discovered KEYFORT through an employability event while exploring placement opportunities in my second year of university, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is knowing that I am helping to make the world more accessible, something that is both professionally and personally meaningful. KEYFORT […]

I discovered KEYFORT through an employability event while exploring placement opportunities in my second year of university, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is knowing that I am helping to make the world more accessible, something that is both professionally and personally meaningful. KEYFORT provides a highly supportive environment, with regular team meetings and valuable opportunities for professional development, including attending psychology-related conferences.

As a Support Worker, I’ve had the opportunity to build strong relationships with individuals, deliver person-centred care, and witness the positive impact of my support. This role has also been instrumental in preparing me for a future career in clinical psychology, allowing me to develop essential clinical skills and gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. Seeing how psychology influences the lives of service users has deepened my understanding of the field and enhanced my ability to provide effective, compassionate care.

Key Skills Gained:

  • Communication – Building rapport with service users and professionals, active listening
  • Safeguarding – Understanding and applying safeguarding policies to protect individuals
  • Teamwork – Collaborating with professionals and contributing effectively within a team
  • Advocacy – Promoting independence and challenging barriers
  • Person-Centred Care – Adapting support to individual needs, providing emotional support, and demonstrating compassion

Working at KEYFORT has been an invaluable experience, equipping me with the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Back