Lesley McCormack

Lesley McCormack is a support worker for people with learning disabilities.

“I’ve been a support worker for nearly 17 years now. I love my job. No day is ever the same. I do everything from personal care, supporting people in hospital, giving medication, PEG feeding, taking people to activities and sorting out their finances. I’m proud to have built up my skills.

I’m now learning Makaton so I can communicate with people with profound learning disabilities. I do my best for the people I support. I’ll go with them to GP and hospital appointments. I’ve even been in the recovery room when they’ve had operations, so they wake up to a friendly face.

I had a lady who sadly passed away ten years ago with no family, so my colleagues and I took care of her funeral. It was a privilege to do this for her. I recently supported a woman to have her Covid vaccines. She was terrified of needles, but I used my communication skills to keep her calm so she could have the vaccines. Her mum was over the moon.

I’m currently supporting 3 young women with a learning disability. They want to live their lives to the full, just like other young women their age. They just need a bit of extra support to do this.

When I talk to people about my job, people are shocked when they hear what I earn. With the cost of living going up, I have to work extra shifts to make ends meet. I’m also being transferred to a service closer to home because I’m struggling to afford the petrol to work.”