"I was settled to see my years out until I was suddenly made redundant" - Testimonial from Dave

My name is Dave. And I joined the Hub as a personal assistant in November 2018. My move into the care industry came as a surprise to my friends as well as myself. Having worked in a furniture factory for 37 years I was settled to see my years out until I was suddenly made redundant in the summer of 2018.

A friend offered me 3 days a week gardening, but this would not be enough. My wife then pointed out Hub Care Support. We had PA helping with my mother-in-law and so suggested I could do also do the work of a PA (carer). I was certainly unqualified for the care industry but she persuaded me to apply to the Hub. ( As she put it, I would talk to anyone so interested in people).

I hadn't had an interview for nearly 40 years but Natasha from Hub Care Support who saw me was very patient and didn't seem to mind that I had no background or training in care. She explained that the Hub via QCAS would train me and support me, as having the right attitude and a caring nature were as important as a care background.

I haven't looked back since, I initially worked part time before giving up the gardening and going full time social caring. The way the Hub operate is like a dating agency, they try to match client's with PA's to get the best possible fit. You can apply for the jobs that suit you best and if you and the client hit it off you start working with them directly. The girls and boys in the office help you set up and run as self-employed and are always there to help and assist you.

I have recommended the Hub to friend's for PA’s (carer's) to their families, and also as a career as a PA. The best thing is I have made good friends at the Hub and also with the clients I have.

Dave ( ex-furniture maker/ex-gardener) now full time PA (carer)