In this episode I’m chatting to Dave, who I know from my day job. I’ve been learning just how complex the care system is, how stressful and scary it is for the person now needing care, losing their independence, having to trust strangers. And I wanted to understand who the professionals are, who are helping people move through to the next life stage.

So, we have got Dave today! He is a social worker, I certainly didn't realise how much responsibility social workers have, and the difficult decisions they have to make on a daily basis. I also feel this is a great advert if you are considering being a social worker, he has such purpose in life because of his job - I was nearly convinced to re-train! Well except I can barely make a decision about what to have for my tea!

We do talk about direct payments, see https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/health-and-social-care/adult-social-care/getting-support-from-adult-social-care/direct-payments# for more information about these, we use the term micro enterprise, and personal assistant. These are usually self-employed carers going into your home to help. There is a link to small good stuff ( https://www.communitycatalysts.co.uk/smallgoodstuff/) which is a website where all of the self-employed carers who are part of the community catalysts program advertise their services.

A massive thanks to Dave for such an honest reflection on his role, and I hope you learn as much as I did.