We hear from men working across social care about why they love their job

I found my calling in social care through a deep desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. The opportunity to bring comfort and support to those in need drew me in. Social care isn't bound by gender, and it's vital that more men join the sector. Our unique perspectives and skills enrich the field, offering diverse perspectives and breaking down stereotypes. To men considering a career in care, I'd say this: ‘Embrace the opportunity to make a real difference, challenge stereotypes, and be a part of a compassionate community that truly changes lives'.

Social care attracted me because of the wonderful people who work tirelessly to care for those less fortunate. It opens your eyes to a world that’s often hidden from day-to-day society. I had a background in banking but joined my family business eight years ago. I’m proud to work with 90 fabulous colleagues and care for 61 residents including my beloved grandma. Social care would benefit from more male role models as I feel there’s untapped potential, often because men find it harder to recognise the benefit of using their emotions to inspire their choice of work. We have some fantastic male and female staff and the healthy blend has certainly worked well for us.

I am a 19 year old care assistant. I was drawn to this role by the passion and empathy I’d seen from other carers while I was part of the kitchen team, and I knew I wanted to join right there and then. Care is the most rewarding job you could ever have, there’s nothing better than making a difference in someone’s life. We need more men to have more of a diverse role in the care society. Whenever I talk about my job to other men, I always say ‘do it, it will change your life!’

I began working as a support worker at 21 years old; 21 years later I’ve worked with some of the most amazing people and seen people achieve their personal dreams -from meeting a family member for first time in a decade, to holding their own house key, to riding a red London Bus, to helping build a school in Kenya for children less privileged than us. As a young male I’ve grown into the father, husband, son and leader of people I aspire to be, learning new skills along the way from working with a vast array of people from different cultures and backgrounds. I believe that this industry turns young men into strong, empathetic, caring and resourceful male role models for young boys to look up to and also aspire to be.

I was 25 working dead end jobs. Friends who’d done support work encouraged me to give it a go so I applied and became a support worker. I loved it and have never looked back. A misconception is that it’s not a viable career option for men, when in fact, it’s a sector full of opportunities where ambitious people can thrive. We need more men because diversity in teams is vital and many men and boys want and respond well to support from other men. Do your research, find the right type of role for you, choose a reputable company, and then get stuck in.

I did some voluntary summer work with people with learning disabilities as a teenager and enjoyed it. I then began work as a support worker for people who were deaf. I learned sign language whilst doing this and progressed to a senior member of staff and then to registered manager. Whilst doing this I also enrolled part-time on a social work course and gained a Level 6 sign language and became a qualified social worker. The attraction to social care is that it’s enjoyable and rewarding. Some people respond to males and females differently. In supporting people, the more diversity in the team leads to better outcomes. People need good role models to help them develop and get the most from their lives. I’ve coached my son’s football team and the rewards of seeing your work pay off with the happiness they experience is the same in social care. People you work with and support become like family and having worked in social care for 36 years I wouldn’t change a thing.

I was the product of a poor single parent family growing up and always remembered the people in the street and neighbourhood who showed me kindness. As they got older and started to struggle, I offered support and helped them where I could and inevitably got more involved. In my 30s I started helping out a care company whose owners I knew and got sucked in, to the point I had to choose between my day job or care - hey presto, 23 years on and I’m still winging it! It’s a very rewarding career and is also a great conduit into other professions in health or social care. Many opportunities also exist in most companies for progression. Women make up the majority of the workforce and the balance needs to be addressed within the workforce nationally. You know within if you have what it takes - kindness, empathy, compassion, patience, commitment and dedication. It’s a career not just a job or a short-term gap fill. It’s also a privilege that people let you into their lives and often build relationships with you they don’t achieve with siblings and other family members. It’s humbling to go home and reflect, recognising the little things you’ve done throughout the day that have such a huge difference in someone’s life.

I love coming into work and making a difference to people's life's and putting a smile on their faces. It's the most rewarding job that I've done knowing that when I go home each day I've helped someone in life and hopefully made their day or life better. I also think that you learn something new every day and are challenged every day in this job and that can only inspire me to be the best carer possible and motivate me more each day to become better. It's enabled me to learn about all different kinds of people from different cultures and backgrounds and has helped me develop my skills and being more open minded to others' beliefs and different ways.