Rhys didn’t start his career in care. He was working as a cleaner when he began searching for something more meaningful, something that could create a real impact in people’s lives. That search led him to support work, a field he has now been in for nearly four years.
What he discovered is that supporting people, especially those with complex behaviours, requires more than just patience. It takes deep listening, understanding their past, recognising their triggers, and responding with care. While challenging, it is this very complexity that makes the work so rewarding for him.
To build connection, Rhys believes in showing genuine interest. He takes time to learn about each person, their background, and what matters to them. Building trust does not happen overnight but being present and sincere goes a long way.
One experience that stood out was when he supported a female client who wanted to attend football games. With no female workers available at the time, she agreed for Rhys to accompany her. They ended up having a great time, and it helped rebuild her trust in male support workers, something that had previously been difficult for her.
Not every day is easy. What helps Rhys through the tough ones is the support he gets from his team. Knowing he is not alone, and that his colleagues understand the highs and lows of the job, makes a big difference.
When asked what keeps him going, Rhys reflects simply:
“Doing good in the world is a really great feeling.”
For anyone considering support work, his advice is to show up with purpose, build trust, and care genuinely. When you do, the impact goes both ways, for the person you are supporting and for yourself.
