Celebrating 30 years of Achieve together: Clara’s interview

What first attracted you to join Achieve together, and what made you stay for so many years?

What first attracted me to Achieve together was the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives. From the start, I was drawn to the values, the focus on person-centred support, and the commitment to helping the people we support live happy, meaningful lives.

What has kept you at Achieve together for so many years?

I have stayed because of the relationships I have built with the people we support and the team members around me. Watching people grow in confidence, overcome challenges and reach milestones has made every year worthwhile. Being surrounded by caring team members who share the same commitment to improving people’s lives has also made Achieve together a place where I have always felt proud to belong.

Although Achieve together has grown and changed over the years, its focus has remained the same; putting the people we support at the heart of everything we do. Sharing in their journeys, celebrating every achievement and seeing the difference that even a small act of kindness can make continues to motivate me and makes me proud to be part of Achieve together.

What roles have you moved through?

I joined Achieve together as a Support Worker in 1996 and have since progressed through a range of roles, including Regional Manager. While raising my two children, I became a Registered Manager, a role I remain truly passionate about.

Throughout my career, I have worked across a variety of services and supported different departments. Each opportunity has broadened my knowledge, helped me grow and given me a deeper understanding of the many areas of social care. Every role has played an important part in shaping the person and leader I am today.

How has Achieve together changed and grown since you first started?

When I joined, Achieve together had fewer than 10 homes. Since then, it has grown into a national organisation supporting people across the country, while continuing to place the people we support at the heart of everything it does.

One thing that has never changed is our commitment to recognising each person’s individuality and supporting them to have a home they are proud of. Everyone we support is unique, and it takes kind, committed team members who value those differences to help each person live life in the way they choose.

I feel incredibly proud of how far Achieve together has come and fortunate to have shared in its journey. Seeing the organisation grow while staying true to its values has meant a great deal to me.

What is one moment in your career with Achieve together, that you will never forget?

There have been many memorable moments throughout my career, so choosing just one is difficult. One of the most meaningful was having the privilege of supporting a wonderful lady during the final stage of her life.

It meant a lot to know she was surrounded by people who loved and cared for her. She lived a full and meaningful life and showed everyone, including medical professionals, that no one should be defined by limits or expectations.

She touched the hearts of so many people and left a lasting legacy. Supporting her and being part of her journey was a true privilege and is something I will always remember.

What do you think has been the biggest achievement of the organisation over the past 30 years?

For me, Achieve together’s greatest achievement has been continuing to put the people we support at the heart of everything we do. Over the past 30 years, we have created more than services. We have helped build welcoming homes where people feel valued, respected and have a true sense of belonging.

As Achieve together has grown and evolved, it has remained committed to listening to the people we support and making sure their voices are heard. We continue to stand up for their rights, choices and ambitions, while creating opportunities for them to have greater control over their lives.

As we celebrate our 30th birthday, what are your hopes for the future of Achieve together over the next 30 years?

My hope is that Achieve together continues to place the people we support at the heart of everything we do, just as we have throughout the past 30 years. I would love to see us create even more opportunities, break down barriers and support every person to live life in the way they choose.

I also hope we continue to embrace new ideas and positive change while holding on to the kindness, compassion and sense of belonging that make Achieve together so special. Most importantly, I hope we always stand alongside the people we support, ensuring their voices are heard, their achievements are celebrated and they are supported to thrive for many years to come.

What inspired you to start a career in care and support work?

My inspiration to work in care began when I was younger and had a Saturday job alongside my nan, who was Head Matron at a nursing home. I spent time talking with residents and helping with small tasks that made their days a little easier. Seeing how much these moments of kindness meant to them and their families was incredibly rewarding.

Those early experiences encouraged me to pursue a career in care and later complete my nursing training. They laid the foundations for the career I have today.

My nan is now 96 and still has the same matronly spirit. Her strength, kindness and enthusiasm for life continue to inspire me and have helped shape the values I bring to my work every day.

What skills or qualities do you think are most important for success in this profession?

Compassion and empathy are vital qualities in this profession. Success comes from genuinely caring about people, recognising every achievement and offering encouragement through more challenging times. It is equally important to value the team around you and appreciate the contribution each person makes. By helping people recognise their strengths, grow in confidence and work towards their goals, we can create a positive and supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

How has the care sector changed since you first began your career?

When I began my career 30 years ago, the care sector was very different. Support was often delivered in a more traditional way, with fewer choices and opportunities available to the people we support. Since then, I have seen a positive shift towards person-centred care, where each person’s voice, choices and ambitions guide the support they receive.

There is now a much greater emphasis on people’s rights, independence and ability to live life in the way they choose. Developments in technology, training and professional standards have also helped teams provide better support and create more meaningful opportunities.

Although the sector has evolved, compassion, kindness and meaningful relationships remain as important as ever. The people we support continue to inspire us every day, and it has been a privilege to be part of a sector that keeps learning, adapting and working to improve people’s lives.

What has working at Achieve together taught you about yourself?

Working at Achieve together has shown me that I am more resilient than I once realised. The personal and professional challenges I have experienced throughout my career have helped me discover a strength within myself that I did not know I had.

It has also taught me the value of perseverance, compassion and continuing to believe in people during difficult times. Above all, I have learnt that with the right support, encouragement and determination, we can often achieve much more than we imagined.

As Achieve together celebrates 30 years, what makes you most proud to still be part of the journey?

What makes me most proud is seeing the people we support live happy and fulfilling lives, and knowing that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. Seeing someone smile and knowing they feel safe, valued and truly at home is incredibly rewarding.

I am also proud that families can feel reassured knowing their loved ones are happy, well supported and living life in a way that is meaningful to them. Being part of an organisation that creates welcoming homes and supports people to achieve their goals is a genuine privilege.