Purple Match

I’m a determined and enthusiastic 20-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy – a muscle-wasting condition that means I have very limited strength across all my muscles. I have little movement in my legs and struggle to move my arms, which means I can be quite fragile. I use a powerchair full-time and currently live with my family in St Neots (PE19).

Family, friends, and my girlfriend mean the world to me. I’m often out socialising, going on day trips, catching new film releases at the cinema, or heading into Cambridge to eat at my favourite restaurants. I love trying foods from around the world, but I’m also very chilled – happy spending days at home with my partner, listening to all kinds of music and watching films.

Right now, I work full-time; I’m in central London (9–5 Monday), but I’ll be returning to university soon.

It’s important to say: this isn’t your “typical” disabled care job. I’m active and live life just like anyone else my age. I just need physical support to do that.

Minimum: 36 hours per week

Job share open to discussing if we can’t match hours(up to 60 hours total)

Context: I’m looking to expand my team slowly for when I move out of home.

Overtime preferred but not mandatory

•             £13.25 per hour basic

•             £14.50 per hour care rate

•             Paid annual leave

•             Enhanced DBS required (or willingness to get one before starting)

Current availability needed:

•             Monday: 6:45am – 7:00pm

•             Tuesday to Friday: Start by 7:30am until at least 3:00pm (days and hours are open to negotiation)

When I return to university, these hours will change to fit my timetable. Work hours will always be communicated in advance – we’ll work together to fit things around our lives to make me more independent.

If you’re open to 12-hour shifts, that’s something I’m currently thinking about for later on in my life.

Because of my limited mobility, I need someone with me most of the time. This includes personal care, washing, dressing, going to the toilet, and physical tasks like cutting up food, accessing my bag, or opening doors.

A typical day involves getting me up, helping me with all personal care, and setting me up for the day – whether I’m working or at uni. You might help pack my bag, let me know what’s in the fridge for lunch, or get things ready so I can make the most of my lunch break (I do physio during this time to slow muscle deterioration). Physio includes leg stretches and lung physio – you’ll get full training from Addenbrooke’s Hospital and from me.

You’ll need to use a hoist to transfer me during personal care or whenever I need to get out of my wheelchair (training provided).

If I’m out with friends, you’ll be nearby to support with any personal care and make sure there’s somewhere accessible if they leave. Cleaning is also part of the role – like keeping my room and bathroom clean, washing dishes, and tidying the things I use.

This role is about enabling me and making my life easier with the addition task being disabled carries to. In the end you will become like family as the job means knowing everything about me as you will have to assist me with everything.

There’s no rush with tasks – I spend a lot of time on my PC, so things can be done steadily and properly.

Prior experience is not needed, but welcomed

You don’t need to know everything, but you should be willing to learn. A genuine interest in high-quality care is important, along with flexibility and the ability to join in when I’m with friends – but also to know when to step back when I’m with the boys trying to be cool lol.

I’m looking for someone I can build a solid, trusting relationship with – someone who’s honest, young at heart, and has a wicked sense of humour.

UK driving licence is essential.

You’ll also have the chance to keep up with the latest training in physio and equipment.