Focus Birmingham is an independent local charity that aims to create better opportunities for people with care and support needs. The charity supports those experiencing sight loss and complex needs across Birmingham and provides supported living accommodation for adults with visual impairment and other disabilities.

Callum’s workday is structured yet diverse, balancing practical tasks with meaningful interactions that he very much enjoys. “I start my shift by taking a handover and noting any additional responsibilities. My routine is fairly fixed, which I appreciate. I begin by reviewing the logs and Medication Administration Record (MAR) charts to identify any medication changes and adjust accordingly.  There is often a lot to remember so I try to plan ahead.”

His role involves not just personal care but also creating an engaging and fulfilling environment for the individuals he supports.

A highlight of Callum’s day is leading activities.

After leaving college, Callum worked in hotels and later bars for almost a decade before entering the adult care sector with Focus. During this time, what became clear for Callum was that he relished working with people – no matter what sector he was employed in.

“I feel lucky in the sense that I’ve been employed for a lot of my time since school, in not highly paying jobs – but I’ve enjoyed being employed in fields mainly involving people.”

While Callum initially pursued the course for self-development purposes, it has opened doors to potential career growth.

 “If there’s an opportunity for promotion, I might be more inclined to go for it now that I feel more confident in my qualifications. I’ve updated my knowledge on policies and responsibilities, which is important for my organisation and my role.”