Growing purpose, one relationship at a time, Dave’s story at Phoenix

Dave is a Residential Support Worker at one of our Children’s Homes at Phoenix. Originally from a small town in North Devon, Dave joined Phoenix at just 21. He works as part of a close Team, supporting Children in their day-to-day lives and helping to create a safe, fun environment where they can grow and flourish.

Dave’s role is hands-on and relationship-led. Every day looks different, but the focus stays the same: supporting the Children we support with care, consistency, and genuine connection.

Why Dave chose Care

Dave joined the Team four months ago, driven by personal experience. Growing up around foster children and alongside a sibling with disabilities shaped his empathy and understanding from a young age.

After working in an office-based role, Dave knew he wanted something more meaningful. Care offered purpose, variety and the chance to support People we support in a way that truly matters.

Making a difference every day

Dave says the best part of his role is building positive relationships. Every day moments are filled with laughter, humour and shared experiences.

From trips to new activities to simply being present at home, Dave enjoys getting involved alongside the Children. He believes these shared moments help build trust and confidence.

As a young male role model, Dave recognises the importance of consistency and calmness. For some Children we support, positive male figures have been missing. Dave works hard to offer reliability, respect and encouragement.

Being a Positive Role Model

For Dave, being a positive role model is about earning respect rather than demanding it. Dave believes dependability and support sit at the heart of good Care.

He hopes to inspire the Children we support to see opportunities around them, to try new things and to believe in their own abilities, even when challenges feel daunting.

Growing with Phoenix

Dave finds relationships the most rewarding part of his work. Building trust and seeing Children feel safe enough to be themselves gives the role real meaning.

Professionally and personally, being a support worker at Phoenix has helped Dave grow. Training has strengthened his confidence, patience and emotional awareness, all of which support him in real-life situations within the home.

A Message to Future Team Members

Dave is honest about the challenges of Care, but also clear about the rewards. Some days are tough, others are full of fun and laughter, and many are a mix of both.

Strong Team support, meaningful relationships and a shift pattern that supports work-life balance make his job stand out. For Dave, no two days are the same, and that is exactly why he loves it.

Join the Phoenix Community!

If you are looking for a role where you can build real relationships, feel supported by your Team Members and see the impact of your Care every day, a Support Worker role in South Gloucestershire could be right for you.

At Phoenix, we offer strong Team support, meaningful training and the time and space to focus on what matters most, the Children we support.

If you bring empathy, patience and a willingness to learn, we will support your growth and development every step of the way.