‘Temporary’ carer celebrates 20 years in role

When Tina Brett’s friend suggested she become a carer, the then 52-year-old was strongly against the idea.

I had worked with children and babies, and I thought: Old people? Oh no,” she said. “I didn’t want to do it, and I didn’t think I’d like it. I was the most unlikely person to be a carer.

“I had done various jobs since my children were small, and had worked for my brother-in-law, at Superdrug, and in a primary school with children with special educational needs.

“My best friend worked as a carer and really liked it, and she said, ‘Why don’t you try it?’”

She allowed herself to be persuaded and joined her friend at Extra Hands, a family-run care provider which delivers bespoke home-care packages across Norfolk, for what she thought would be a temporary position.

But Mrs Brett, who is from Fakenham, realised to her surprise that she was relishing her new role – so much so that, 20 years on, she continues to work as a carer for the company.

“After about six months, I realised it’s not about the job, it’s about the people,” she explained. “As you get to know the people, what you’re actually doing doesn’t really matter – that completely changed everything for me. Everyone was so lovely and so grateful.”

Attached to the firm’s Broadland office in Horsham St Faith, the 72-year-old loves care work so much that she can’t bring herself to retire.

“There have been ups and downs over the years, but I enjoy the job, and I love the people,” she continued. “You get to know them and you hear all their stories, and you realise it’s not just the little old lady in the corner – you get them talking and the time flies past. 

“Some people, when you initially meet them, seem so frail and disabled, but then you hear about where they’ve been and what experiences they have had. I really enjoy it.”

With the arrival of three grandchildren, Mrs Brett has also appreciated the flexibility of working for Extra Hands.

“When my grandchildren came along, I was able to fit my hours around helping to look after them,” she said. “Extra Hands have always been helpful with the hours I do, which have lessened considerably over the years. They’ve been very accommodating, and I really appreciate that.

“Extra Hands have always listened. I’ve seen lots of changes of staff over the years, but they’ve always listened and they’ve always helped.”

Currently working two days a week with a set round of service users, she has no plans to step down.

“I wouldn’t want to be anything other than a carer now,” she added. “I thought I’d give it a try and would stop if I didn’t like it – and I’m still here.

“It’s a lovely thing to do, and very rewarding. It’s hard to walk away.”

Extra Hands also has an office at Heacham.