Gloria's Story

My name is Gloria, and my journey into health and social care is deeply rooted in both personal experience and a lifelong passion for helping others. I come from a large family of eleven siblings, and as the youngest, I grew up surrounded by care, resilience, and strong family values. After the loss of my father, I moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager, supported by my beloved sister, whose strength and guidance shaped the course of my life.

My early professional background was in catering, where I first discovered the importance of service and the joy that comes from supporting others. While working in this field, I developed strong interpersonal skills and learned the value of teamwork, patience, and dedication. However, my desire to make a deeper impact on people’s lives led me to transition into the health and social care sector.

Over the past 26 years, I have dedicated myself to frontline care, beginning my career as a support worker. During this time, I have supported individuals with a wide range of needs, including mental health challenges, learning disabilities, elderly care, and children’s services. My work has allowed me to develop strong communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling me to effectively support individuals in meeting their daily needs.

"I pride myself on being a compassionate caregiver, a good listener, and a flexible team player."

Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about person-centred care. I pride myself on being a compassionate caregiver, a good listener, and a flexible team player. My focus has always been on empowering individuals, particularly those living with mental health challenges, to live fulfilling lives and integrate confidently into society.

My professional journey also includes extensive experience working in high-risk environments, supporting individuals with dual diagnoses and forensic histories. In these roles, I developed the ability to assess risks, make informed decisions, and implement integrated care plans that prioritise safety and wellbeing. I regularly worked alongside multidisciplinary teams including doctors, social workers, commissioners, and families to ensure holistic care for service users.

In addition to frontline care, I have taken on leadership and management responsibilities. These roles included staff supervision, performance appraisals, care planning, risk assessments, and organising staff training. I have also coordinated and participated in Care Programme Approach (CPA) meetings, managed service budgets, and contributed to maintaining high standards of care delivery. Even in challenging and high-pressure situations, I remain calm, adaptable, and focused on achieving positive outcomes for those I support.

To further strengthen my knowledge and professional skills in the care sector, I completed a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Health and Social Care (Adult) at Mont Rose College. This academic achievement marked an important milestone in my professional development and deepened my understanding of care practice.

"A significant turning point in my life came with the loss of my sister... it inspired me to follow in her footsteps."

A significant turning point in my life came with the loss of my sister, who had brought me to the United Kingdom and was herself a dedicated nurse. Her passing in her fifties was deeply heartbreaking, but it also inspired me to follow in her footsteps. After the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the decision to pursue nursing so that I could expand my ability to support and care for others.

I later graduated with First Class Honours in Adult Nursing from London South Bank University. Following the completion of my degree, I was honoured to be invited back to the university as a motivational speaker to inspire and support new students on the same course. Sharing my journey with aspiring healthcare professionals was both a proud and humbling experience.

Beyond my professional life, I am a proud mother of four children and a grandmother. My family remains a constant source of strength and motivation in everything I do.

Looking ahead, I aspire to specialise as a palliative care nurse, where I can provide compassionate support to individuals and families during the most sensitive stages of life. At the same time, I am embarking on a new chapter by establishing my own domiciliary care business. With decades of experience, unwavering compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of others, I remain dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who require care and support.