I just love this job, says teenage care worker nominated for award
SHE’S just 17 years old, but Molly Whitehouse is already proving to be an inspiration in her chosen career.
The caring teenager works with people who have a range of learning disabilities, helping them to live a full and happy life.
Molly is proving to be such a natural at her job that her team at Community Living Project, in Quorn has just nominated her as its rising star for a Care Professional of the Year Award 2022, organised by the Loughborough Echo’s sister news website, Leicestershire Live.
Molly said she was so proud to have been put forward as part of the campaign, which aims to reward and celebrate the people who have cared for others through the most challenging of circumstances.
“I never expected to be nominated,” said Molly, who started working for Community Living Project just over a year ago. “It was a total shock when I found out but I’m really grateful.” Molly, who had never really considered working in adult care, started doing some part-time hours at Community Living Project’s specialist unit, which supports residents – some with highly complex needs and behavioural issues - to live as independently as possible. Staff say Molly took to her role immediately and has now become an invaluable member of the team. She now works full-time and has started a diploma in adult care.
“It’s been a really great experience for me,” said Molly, full of praise for the service users she helps, often on a one-toone basis. During lockdown, she arranged for one resident with autism to speak to his family, via his laptop. And last year, the teenager helped the project’s service users to go on a five-day holiday.
“I just love this job,” said Molly, who is working towards becoming a duty officer at the project. “We’re like one big family here. It’s so lovely. It’s great when we can take our service users out and get them to try different things and take part in activities.
“We’ve actually just been making
Christmas cards.”
This is the time of year when we need people like Molly more than ever, to make sure our loved ones living in care homes and other settings feel part of this special season.
Many of our caring professionals go above and beyond – and that’s where you come in.
We want to hear about those unsung heroes who help to improve the lives of others, not just at Christmas but day after day, week after week, year after year.
Categories include Best Newcomer to Care, Dementia Carer of the Year, Supporting Independence and Palliative Care Professional of the Year ( see, right).
The Leicestershire Live Care Professional of the Year Awards, held in association with Inspired to Care, will be a virtual event on Thursday, February 10.
You can nominate a care professional to ensure they get the recognition they deserve at: reachplcevents.com/events/eastmidlands/ leicestershire-live-carer-of-the-year-awards
It’s great when we can take our service users out and get them to try different things and take part in activities.
Molly Whitehouse