We recently caught up with Mat Barber, one of our support workers from Liverpool, to chat about his role at Bedspace and what his job means to him. 

 

When did you start working for Bedspace and what line of work were you in before? 

I have been working at Bedspace since April 2021 and previously had a career in the construction industry but after the Covid-19 pandemic, I wanted to find a job where I could live a more balanced and fulfilling life. My role in construction meant that I worked long and demanding hours which took its toll on the time I had available to spend with my family and pursuing my other passions. Thanks to the flexibility that working at Bedspace provides, last year I was able to fulfil one of my passions by supporting the Australian team in the Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup which was hosted in England. 

 

What is your role at Bedspace and what does it involve on a day-to-day basis? 

I work as a support worker for Bedspace in the leaving care team, and since starting, I have not looked back. My role focuses on supporting the vulnerable people that come to Bedspace seeking help and support. A large part of what we do is providing vulnerable people with the skills they need to become independent. I’m involved with a range of different activities that are angled towards helping people gain these skills. I help support them with things like their college work, budgeting, food shops, and booking doctors’ appointments. As a support worker I also encourage those struggling with their mental health and wellbeing to adopt some simple steps. This can often mean going on walks or simply sitting with them and having a cup of tea which can be a big help to those most in need. 

 

What’s your favourite thing about working for Bedspace? 

There are so many things that I value about working at Bedspace but the best thing about my job must be getting the opportunity to change the life of someone that is struggling. The young people that I work with are a pleasure to be around and it’s so rewarding to know that I can be a real support to them in times when they need it the most. It’s special to know that I can be part of an individual’s progression, especially when they haven’t got support networks like family and friends around them, and to be the person who someone chooses to tell their goals and achievements too. 

 

What’s your favourite working memory at Bedspace and why?

Getting involved in the mental health champions team has been a great highlight of my time at Bedspace so far. The team meet every eight weeks to talk through ideas of how we can improve Bedspace’s outlook on mental health to make sure we are looking out for the wellbeing of the employees as well as the service users. I’m passionate about the importance of mental health and I think we should all make more of an effort to talk about it, so it’s great to be part of a workplace that is making great strides to prioritise it. This year I’m excited to see how we can bring some of the ideas we’ve been discussing to life! 

 

How do support workers make a real difference to the vulnerable people supported by Bedspace? 

The big differences that we make to vulnerable people are all in the little wins that we help them to achieve every day. Things like getting out for fresh air, or simply starting a conversation are more important than a lot of people might realise. Sometimes young, vulnerable people can be dropped suddenly by their previous support systems so the work we do as support workers can make all the difference to the path that those in need choose to take. The personalised pathway that we provide for the people we support creates a sense of structure for their journey to independence, which we work closely alongside them to achieve.

 

What would be your advice to someone who is thinking about applying to be a support worker at Bedspace? 

The role of being a support worker is not an easy one – you sometimes feel like you are a mum, dad, brother, and sister all at the same time. But the rewards that I have seen are worth the challenges so I would say to anyone who is thinking of applying, to go for it! From my experience, I would also say to not let your career history, however different it may be, put you off. Construction work could not be further from support work, but working at Bedspace has opened my eyes to a whole new passion of mine! I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made; I can now see my family more often and pursue my other passions which has given me a work-life balance that I never thought I would be able to have. 

 

If you’re interested in working with us at Bedspace or would like to learn more about our current vacancies and the opportunities available please email careers@bedspace.co.uk.