Support workers look after people’s physical and mental wellbeing, giving them emotional as well as practical support.

The role involves things like teaching people life skills in order to help them to live as independently as possible, or may involve providing personal care and help with daily living tasks.

Support workers help people get involved with the community and enable those they support to access education, training, employment and leisure activities.

Being a good listener and having the knowledge of what services are available to help people, are important in this role.

 

 

 

Qualifications

A level 2 intermediate diploma, or apprenticeship in health and social care, is desirable for a support worker. But it is not always essential, as they may be given the opportunity to progress towards their qualification whilst working.

Diplomas are the current qualifications in health and social care, which have replaced NVQs, but some workers still hold NVQs which are still valid. In the case of a support worker, they may hold a level 2 NVQ.