My journey with VCP

What's it really like to become one of our carers?
Om joined us whilst studying computer science - and quickly realised he had found far more than a job.
We're very grateful to Om for sharing his story with us, and for becoming such an invaluable member of the VCP family. 

"My name is Om, and I am proud to be a member of the team at Vincentian Care Plus.
 
Originally from India, I arrived in the UK in September 2022 to pursue an MSc in Computer Science with a specialisation in Network Engineering. After settling in, I joined VCP in February 2023 as a carer, working part-time while balancing my studies.
 
Initially, my decision to join VCP was motivated by the need to secure financial stability to support my living expenses. However, as I began working closely with our Service Users, my perspective shifted significantly. What started as just a job quickly evolved into something much deeper.

I developed a genuine passion for my role as a carer, serving the community and forming meaningful relationships with the individuals I supported. Within a few weeks, I found myself forming close bonds with each Service user, and we became like family.
 
The carer role allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures and spend quality time with incredible individuals, enriching my life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Upon completing my MSc, I became aware of the Care Coordinator vacancy. Driven by a desire to make a greater impact, I applied for the position, eager to see where this new chapter might take me.

The interview process went smoothly, and I was delighted to be promoted from a Carer to a Care Coordinator - a line manager responsible for overseeing a team of Carers and the management of Service User visits. Transitioning into this new role felt natural, thanks to the strong relationships and mutual respect I had cultivated with my colleagues in the field.
 
As a Care Coordinator, my primary focus has been on addressing the challenges I encountered as a Carer. I’ve worked tirelessly to improve processes, ensuring a better experience for both Carers and Service Users alike. This includes prioritising continuity of care, minimising disruptions, and managing weekend challenges such as travel time and resource allocation.

Weekends often present unique difficulties as covering visits when someone is unavailable can be particularly demanding, but I’ve developed effective strategies, i.e. travel time, to navigate these challenges and maintain seamless care.

Through consistent effort and dedication, management recognised my contributions and entrusted me with a greater responsibility - to oversee the primary patch that serves as a cornerstone for VCP.

This role has further reinforced my commitment to delivering exceptional care and ensuring the wellbeing of our cherished Service Users.

I am immensely grateful to the VCP team for their unwavering support and belief in my potential. This recognition has been a powerful motivator, inspiring me to strive for excellence in every task.

​My journey from Carer to Care Coordinator has been a deeply rewarding and transformative experience, and I am honoured to be part of a team that is truly dedicated to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives."