Chris Kennedy swapped careers from working on a building site to a care role in children’s homes, and now he’s leading the Step Into Residential Children’s Care course at Wigan & Leigh College.
The 44-year-old from Wigan is calling for residents to follow his success in supporting vulnerable young people by taking up the course.
Chris has ten years’ experience working in residential care services for children and young people, helping make a difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable in society.
From his work at a secure unit to becoming a registered manager of a children’s home in Preston, he has first-hand experience of the challenges and rewards of the sector.
“I’ve worked with young people in care experiencing a range of significant social and psychological issues,” said Chris. “There were obviously challenges, but the rewards were massive. Most young people just need extra guidance with everyday tasks, along with support to help them make the right life decisions.You’ll becomeas a good role model, which many of them have never had.”
With a national shortfall of staff working in children’s residential care, Chris is calling on those with the necessary personal attributes, such as empathy, good communication skills and the drive to want to make a difference, to take the first steps towards training for this new career.
“It’s amazing to witness the change in behaviour, often related to how you’ve supported them,” he added.“As a key worker with one of the residents, I saw how support through music and art therapy helped to reduce the significant danger she was at through self-harming.The feedback is incredible.”
Wigan & Leigh College is working with Wigan Borough Council in developing the course, which is daytime at Wigan and in the evening at Leigh from October.It’s a combination of training and work experience in a residential care setting, with a guaranteed job interview at the end.
Chris added:
“This is a career which changes lives on a daily basis.Not only the lives of vulnerable young people, but your own life will become transformed and you’ll have a career of which you can be really proud.”