Hi, my name is Christiana, and I work at the St Leonard’s Older People’s Service.
I am from Greece, and arrived here to do a degree, and stayed on as I love Scotland, although sometimes I miss the sunshine. I started at St Leonard’s as an agency worker but enjoyed it so much I wanted to do it full time. So, when I finished my degree at University, I applied for a vacancy, and here I am, 5 years later.
The People we Support are all interesting, and the different types of support we provide means you are continually learning.
Everything from how medication works and affects people, the way poor mental health can affect you, but also how you can live with it, it is all a learning experience. Some of the more unusual support we offer is going to Pop Concerts, Air Shows, or the Cinema, as well as group outings to the theatre and shows. Being in central Edinburgh means we don’t have far to travel.
After working as a support worker for 10 years, I decided to expand my career, so am now working part time while I take part in continuous placement training, with a goal of being a forensic nurse. I only work part time now, due to my studies. I have worked in loads of support services over the years, but I could not think about leaving as the St Leonard’s service is the best I have ever worked in.