Retirement on hold for long-term carer

A Norwich carer loves her job so much that she has delayed retirement plans to take up a new post at Norfolk family-run care provider Extra Hands.

Jackie Wood, who works at the organisation’s Broadland office in Horsham St Faith, spent almost 15 years working as a carer for the company before switching to her present position as recruitment officer.

The 65-year-old from Horsford started on reception at Extra Hands in 2009, but quickly realised a more active, hands-on care role appealed to her.

“I’d always done office work before I joined Extra Hands as a part-time receptionist,” she said. “I got made redundant from a company after nearly 10 years and felt I would like a part-time office job in the local area.

“After a few months on reception, I got to know more about the care and services Extra Hands offer and thought, ‘I could do that’. Initially, I would do the morning in the office, and then do people’s tea and evening visits. I found I really, really liked it, and I met some really gorgeous people. It’s a very rewarding job.”

Almost 15 years later, she has stepped down from care work to move back to the admin side of the business, and is currently managing the day-to-day running of the company’s head office, while helping to recruit and train new carers.

“I do all the office admin and deal with recruitment,” she explained. “I also help the training manager and book interviews for him, book people onto the induction days, and take up references for people.

“I really enjoy all of it. No day’s the same. It’s really varied – every day is different, so you never get bored.”

Mrs Wood received flowers and cards from her colleagues to celebrate her milestone anniversary.

“Extra Hands is a family run company, and you’re treated as an individual, not a number,” she continued. “They know everyone, and you’re part of the family.

“When I sit in reception, people come in to get their PPE, so I know them all. Extra Hands is a lovely, friendly company to work for. I’m very, very happy with what I do.”

“It’s so rewarding to help people stay in their own homes,” she added. “Without people like Extra Hands, a lot wouldn’t be able to stay in their own homes and would have to go into residential care. It really makes a difference to people."

Extra Hands provide bespoke, home-care packages across Norfolk and also has an office in Heacham.