18th March 2026
When COVID hit, Caroline joined a Nurseplus agency and worked across several Discovery homes, including Rhydderch. What she thought would be temporary quickly became something much more. She found herself drawn to the people she supported, Discovery’s values, and the purpose of the work. Before long, she was asked to join Discovery directly as a support worker.
From there, Caroline’s journey gathered momentum. She supported people at Rhydderch before stepping in to help at a home in Chard during a period of staffing pressure. She then moved to Taunton, working across lone-working homes, and taking on a Lead Support role. Over a year and a half, she developed confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of what meaningful support really looks like.
When an Assistant Locality Manager role became available back at Rhydderch – the very place where her Discovery journey had first begun – Caroline went for it and was successful. In her words, it felt like a full-circle moment. More than two and a half years on, she still describes Rhydderch as “my baby” and very much her professional home.
Caroline has always sought to go beyond the basics in her work. She looks for people who are ambitious not just for themselves, but for the people they support, recognising that many cannot advocate for themselves. She encourages creativity and initiative, ensuring that people supported can live full, rich lives rather than following rigid routines. Whether it’s organising a party, trips out, or simply helping someone feel included in the world, Caroline emphasises quality of life and meaningful experiences. She describes the joy of seeing someone smile as deeply fulfilling:
If they’re happy, I’m happy. I feel like I mirror their emotions… I want to know that we’ve done everything for them, so there are no regrets.
Alongside her hands-on experience, Caroline has invested in her development. She completed her Level 2 qualification, took part in the ASPIRE programme, and is now planning her Level 3 with a clear goal of progressing into a Registered Manager role when the time is right. The ASPIRE programme proved particularly pivotal, giving her confidence and clarity just as she stepped into management.
Caroline’s reflections reveal the profound emotional depth of care work. She speaks openly about supporting people at the end of their lives, sharing final moments with them and their families, and the trust and responsibility that entails. These experiences have shaped her, teaching patience, empathy, and the importance of living in the moment. She says the work has changed her as much as she has changed the lives of those she supports: she’s become less materialistic, more empathetic, and more in touch with her own emotions.
I’m not usually an emotional person,” she admits, “but I’m a mess for them. They’ve brought out a side of me I didn’t know I had, which is really nice.
Her journey is also a reminder of the importance of kindness and respect at every level. Caroline started as an agency worker, and she’s quick to say you never know where someone’s journey will lead – a lesson she carries into how she treats others.
Looking ahead, Caroline is clear about her ambitions, but equally clear about her values. Progression matters, but so does connection. Leadership matters, but never at the expense of compassion. While she may one day leave Rhydderch to take the next step, it will always remain a place that shaped who she is.
Caroline’s story reflects what’s possible at Discovery: growth, opportunity, purpose, and a career built not just on roles and titles, but on relationships, resilience, ambition, and heart.
*not her photo