Shared Lives South West Team Leader Laura Maker is now officially a Proud to Care Ambassador for Devon.
Ambassadors are front-line staff who work in a variety of roles in health and care. This can include nurses, care workers, community matrons, registered managers, mental health nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and  support workers.

The ambassadors are using their own knowledge, passion and experience to encourage people to consider jobs in the health and care sector.
They can attend career events at schools, colleges, universities, job centres, employment fairs. They hope to inspire others to take up opportunities in the industry.
The ambassadors will promote current job opportunities in the sector and also demonstrate a variety of career pathways in health and care.Laura has worked at Shared Lives South West for three years and enjoyed a varied care career before joining the organisation.
“My first professional experience in health and social care was when I spent a Summer in America working on a camp for children and adults with support needs.
“It was here that I discovered what I really wanted to do. I wanted to work with people with support needs. I also wanted to learn from, advocate for and felt inspired by them.”
Laura went on to work in a variety settings including residential care, supported living and for the local authority.
With so much care experience under her belt and being a leader in her her current position, she feels that she can offer a lot to the ambassador role.
“I have learnt so much about the local community, legal framework and legislation,” she said.
“No day has been the same and there is always something new to learn.
“It has its challenges of course, life is full of these; but passion and drive keeps me motivated to get good outcomes for those around me.
“As a  Proud to Care Ambassador I hope to encourage other young people to think about a job in health and social care. There are so many opportunities if you look and want them.”

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