Valerie McLoughlin
Val was employed as an Activities Co-ordinator working in a large care home and often wanted to discuss the care of residents with colleagues. Unfortunately, she felt her opinion would not count as she had no vocational qualifications. Val was nervous about written work but after talking to East Durham College she undertook an NVQ3 in Health and Social Care, passing in 2008. Val’s confidence was at an all-time high and she went on to complete level 2 Team Leading, level 4 Management Skills, NVQ2 with the Keep Fit Association, a certificate in Aromatherapy and a certificate for the safe administration of medication. With newly acquired skills, Val became Deputy Manager of the care home, constantly promoting the importance of training to her staff.
Two years ago Val became manager of Lindisfarne EMI Residential unit in Chester-le-Street and has since completed an Investors Learning Management Award. She said, “My life has changed for the better and I loved every minute of my learning to get to where I am now... if you are willing to learn and put the work in, the results are astonishing.”
