Role doubly rewarding for Tamara

A WEST Norfolk carer is thriving in her two different and rewarding roles with a provider.

Tamara Proctor (pictured) joined family run Extra Hands three years ago when she was 19, having previously worked in a shoe shop.

Her family were unsurprised at her career change as she had previously looked after her mother, who has cerebral palsy, and had also studied social care at college.

“None of them were surprised,” said the 22-yearold, who lives in West Lynn and is attached to the Heacham office of Extra Hands. “They think I’m a natural carer and all said they saw it coming.”

Her qualities were recognised when she won a GEM Award in March 2022 for ‘Going the Extra Mile’ in her care work, and earlier this year she took on extra responsibilities, joining the company’s Rapid Response Team.

“I’d always wanted to get into things further,” Tamara added. “If there is any sickness or emergency, we could also be called upon to provide cover – which is where the ‘rapid response’ name comes in. No day is ever the same, and it really keeps you on your toes, and stops it being like Groundhog Day, as it can be in some other jobs.”

“I get to meet lots of different people and to have an input into their care programmes.

It’s a great feeling to think that I can be a help to them, and I like getting more involved in how a plan is made up.

It makes you appreciate everything that goes into it. Everyone plays a part, and everyone does it very well.”

As well as her new role, which she shares with two other team members at Heacham, Tamara continues to work as a regular carer at Extra Hands.

“Just being able to help people with day-to-day support, to enable them to stay in their own homes, is very rewarding indeed. It’s definitely the most rewarding job I could ever imagine doing.

“I’d say to anyone thinking of trying care work, to give it a go. You’ve got to have it in you though. It’s in the name of the job – you’ve got to care.”

Team members and residents from Care South’s Wickmeads care home in Bournemouth were treated to a performance of Alice’s Adventures in Aerialand by live theatre group The Dot Collective. The Dot Collective company is a touring, live troupe who provide professional theatre for those living in care, particularly those with dementia, to reduce isolation and create positive experiences. They aim to provide innovative theatre of a high, professional standard that is accessible and cognitively stimulating. The company conducted a live open-air, aerial circus retelling the classic children’s story Alice in Wonderland with a twist, as they performed acrobatic tricks and aerial skills on the highwire and other equipment. The residents and staff cheered and roared with delight throughout the performance, and a massive round of applause rang out when it came to the finale.