Meet Family Services practitioner, Allan, our faces of BaptistCare #22

The world of caring is complex. It is important and delicate work that requires layers of sensitive support. BaptistCare is blessed to have support workers such as Allan in our community.

How long have you been a Family Services Practitioner with BaptistCare?

I have been working in this role for two years and four months after coming out of retirement.

What does the job involve?

I work part time providing assistance and support to BaptistCare Kinship Carers.

What do you like about the job?

I enjoy the people contact, working with Kinship Carers and making a positive difference in their lives. Also, the team I work in and the support I obtain from management is rewarding. Prior to taking on this role I worked for nearly 30 years in the disability field then retired, travelled overseas with my wife and then COVID struck so there wasn’t the same freedom to make future travel plans.

I found that I was getting bored and missing the people contact, so I came back to work.

Do you have a favourite work memory?

I have many memories. A more recent one is observing the reaction and happiness of a young boy when I delivered a basketball system to him at his grandparent’s home and the email he sent thanking me and BaptistCare.

If you could sit next to 2 people at a dinner party, who would they be, and why?

Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. I have been a Beatles fan ever since I can remember.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Follow my fathers’ footsteps and be a train driver.

Describe your ideal day.

My ideal day is when I can make a positive impact and create great outcomes in a carer and child’s life.

Do you have a favourite saying/motto in life?

Don’t sweat the small stuff.