At SDR, supporting our team to grow matters to us just as much as the care they provide. Learn about Nicky, who joined our In Chorus team in 2014 and has since flourished into one of our most exceptional Home Managers, going above and beyond every day for the individuals she supports.

Nicky came to SDR having studied domiciliary care while raising two young children. When she heard about In Chorus – our specialist service supporting adults with autism and learning difficulties – she applied, and began working weekend shifts to fit around her family commitments.

From there she progressed steadily, building her skills and experience across different settings. She moved into supporting a gentleman in his own home, took on more responsibility over time, and was promoted to Deputy Manager – a moment that genuinely took her by surprise.

Around the same time, Nicky’s daughter received an autism diagnosis. That experience gave her a deeper, more personal understanding of how autism can present in women and girls, including the role of masking. It has shaped both her practice and the empathy she brings to her work every day.

Nicky has a natural gift for connecting with the people she supports. She notices small changes quickly and responds with calm and patience – qualities that the team she works with recognise and value in equal measure.

Nicky has pursued her development with real commitment, making the most of the opportunities open to her. She has trained with the National Autistic Society, undertaken specialist learning around autistic catatonia, and completed Positive Behaviour Support training through Hampshire Impact, which she found particularly meaningful. She is now working towards her Level 5 qualification.

She is also a firm believer that every support worker – and every key worker in particular – has a responsibility to be a genuine advocate for the individuals in their care. It is an ethos that runs through everything she does.

We are proud to share that Nicky has recently been promoted to Home Manager. She is a valued and deeply respected member of the team, and a brilliant example of what people can achieve when they are given the space and support to grow.

If Nicky’s story resonates with you, we have a range of vacancies across our adult specialist care, elderly care, and head office teams.

(link to SDR care vacancies)