Laura Roberts started her career as a teaching assistant, before joining the care sector.
She now manages Golau Caredig extra care scheme in Barry, having progressed rapidly since beginning her journey with Hafod in 2020.
Laura shares, “Having become a Mum quite young, my first job was as a teaching assistant at my daughter’s school. This role was, of course, very person centred and certainly paved the way for my future career choices.”
Laura eventually moved into the care sector, working as a Care Assistant for six years before becoming a Nursing Assistant.
In 2020, she found herself ready to try something new. Passionate about looking after older people, she applied for a role at Ty Heulog, a Hafod extra care scheme in Talbot Green.
“At Ty Heulog I learned the ropes, gaining a better understanding of everything that goes into running an extra care scheme. From the kitchen team to maintenance and repairs, my role as Receptionist and later as the Finance Administrator, showed me how varied a role in the housing sector can be.”
Having already achieved qualifications in Health and Social Care, and Support Services, Laura widened her knowledge by completing a level three qualification in Facilities Management, while growing in experience of housing services.
Laura’s new passion for the housing sector saw her begin to carve out a fresh career path, and when the opportunity arose to manage one of Hafod’s extra care schemes, Laura was keen to progress.
“Taking on a management role has been a big challenge but I’m really enjoying it. I love working with a great team, as well as linking in with the local community here in Barry. At Golau Caredig we hold a foodbank to support local people and have recently connected with the local Veterans Group.”
Of Laura’s career journey, Hannah Parker, Integrated Services & Wellbeing Manager said:
“Laura’s passion for our customers has always been one of her stand out qualities. Her person-centred approach and her desire to progress her career have been a delight to witness.
“At Hafod, we pride ourselves on creating a great place to work for our colleagues, where they can enjoy working in a supportive and vibrant environment. It’s great to see Laura advance her career within Hafod, enabling us to retain our talented team member while she enjoys a new and challenging role.”
Laura concludes; “I am really grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given at Hafod and for the support from my colleagues and managers here.
“Being at Golau Caredig reminds me why I started on this career journey in the care and housing sector, it’s all for our customers. Behind every housing or care need, is a person whose day can be made brighter or easier through the support we give.”
Laura now has ambitions to complete a housing degree and continue to support the Barry community through the services on offer at Golau Caredig.