Brian’s devoted to a job he finds so rewarding
For the latest instalment of Our People, reporter Mark Pirie spoke to East Kilbride Dementia Carers Group coordinator Brian Doig
Brian Doig has dedicated over 27 years to East Kilbride Dementia Carers Group.
The group co-ordinator keeps himself busy by doing a bit of everything.
“A big part of my job is raising funds and keeping our profile high,” he told the News.
“My job can be anything from helping with the day care, to driving the bus, shovelling snow and gritting paths or going through annual returns; whatever needs done!”
The work at the Greenhills centre signalled a huge departure from his normal work after a woman who visited his bakery inspired Brian to make a lifechanging switch.
“My background had nothing to do with care whatsoever,” he explained.
“I worked in the bank for a few years, I worked in pubs and delivering bread for a few years, then got into management in a bakery.
“When I worked in the bakery there was a woman who came in. She developed Alzheimer’s, but I had no idea at that point what that was or what was wrong with her.
“She ended up going into a care home and I used to visit her regularly.
“I knew her so well that I could just chat to her and understand her.
“She passed away sadly but after it I saw that Alzheimer Scotland were looking for volunteers.
“I thought I’d like to try that and I loved it so much. Driving success
“I got so much more out of one day volunteering there than a week in the work.”
He then saw his current post advertised, admitting he didn’t think he had a “hope in hell” of getting the job.
“I got it – but that couldn’t happen now. Now you need the qualifications before you get the job.
“Back then it was very raw, I was very enthusiastic. Since then I got all my qualifications, so I can stay in the job a bit longer!
“That’s one of the quirks of modern employment.
“I think a lot of good people might be lost to the care sector because they don’t have the right qualifications.
“In here, we don’t have a high staff turnover, but when we are looking we always look for the people we want, then get them the qualifications and help them through.
“When you’re working with people I think it’s important to get the right people.
“When I started I was a fish out of water, but I’ve been helped by a lot of good people along the way.”
Brian states that apart from care work his other passions are music and football.
He attends a lot of live music events, going to nearly 100 gigs last year, and he has already racked up 30 in 2018.