A SUPPORT worker has revealed how a career switch to a job with a Crewe care home has helped "balance her life".

Busy mum Leah Wilson, 29, is one of a number of Belong at Home community support workers, who visit older people living in and around the town.

She spent a decade building a career in childcare, climbing the ranks to senior roles in local nurseries, but when her own children reached school age she faced resistance from her employer as she struggled with the challenges of juggling a busy home and working life.

But she says what felt like an extreme decision to change careers to meet the needs of her growing family, has turned out to be the ideal job.

Her role with Belong - site sponsors of Crewe Nub News - is to help the firm's elderly clients to live their lives in their own homes as independently as possible, by providing assistance with personal care, domestic tasks, as well as fitness and emotional support.

Caring for others has always been her passion and Leah followed in the path of a younger sibling, who was working at the dementia care specialist in Crewe.

"At first, it felt a bit odd, as I didn't have qualifications in adult care, but with support I was able to train on-the-job to become fully qualified," recalled Leah.

The mum-of-two initially completed The Care Certificate, designed for those who are new to care, as part of a comprehensive induction programme.

Since then, she has been promoted to a senior position with Belong at Home, the domiciliary care service from Belong Crewe, both of which are rated outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

"It's the ideal set-up. I work the opposite hours to my partner, Stephen, a production engineer, so when I'm working he's at home looking after the family," she explained.

"A lot of Belong at Home managers have their own families, so they really understand the need for adaptability and work with you to meet your needs."

Looking back at her big decision, Leah says she is pleased she made the move.

"I love all of it. Our visits make our customers' day; some of them don't have family close by and some don't have any, so you go to work every day knowing you're making a positive difference to people's lives.

"I'm glad I made the change. Now I can take the kids to school, which I couldn't do before, and I also have a job which I love."