Support Worker Diaries: Meet Sam and Terry
Sam, who we support in St Helens, is the first star of Creative Support’s new series ‘Support Worker Diaries’ on YouTube. This series explores how the people we support express themselves, how a day in their life can look, and what makes their relationships with their support workers so special.
Terry has been supporting Sam since summer ‘25, with the pair communicating together in Makaton and sign language. Sam enjoys having his own space and activities in his flat, but equally likes being around other people we support in communal spaces like the kitchen. Sam’s passions include cooking homemade meals, playing the keyboard and walking to the shop to pick up ingredients. Sam also loves listening to music and taking photos, and he showcased his skills with one of the Multimedia Team’s cameras on the day.
One of Sam’s many admirable qualities is the joy he finds in everyday tasks, such as checking the temperature of the taps with Terry and taking the bins out. He also has a brilliant sense of humour, which shines through when he tells jokes and plays pranks.
Terry explained what he loves about being a support worker and working with Sam below.
What motivates you as a support worker?
It’s seeing things improve and getting better for Sam, and him being able to handle his own things day-to-day with support. Giving Sam variety and seeing him happy.
What have you learned by being a support worker?
A lot about people, a lot about life. Before, I’d never really worked with people like Sam. I’ve learned a lot about autism, and a lot about myself as well. It’s a very rewarding job. It’s person-centred care, so you really have to adjust with each person you support because everyone has different needs and supporting methods.
How would you describe your relationship with Sam?
Me and Sam have a great rapport. I like working with Sam because we communicate well and he always understands what I’m talking about. It’s taken a long time for me to get to know Sam well, and for Sam to get to know me. Sam’s better with people he knows very well because he feels more relaxed and safer.
What’s a small thing you do together that means a lot to both of you?
Sam’s favourite thing to do is watch Harry Potter, but he also loves cooking together. Sam’s favourite dishes to make are lasagne and cottage pie.
Is there a moment from your time together that’s particularly significant?
Going out into the community with Sam is a really important one. It’s quite a new thing for Sam and he’s doing amazing with it. A couple of days ago when we went to McDonalds, we had a great time and Sam was happy being around lots of people. He did a great job.
The team in St Helens is really proud to see how well Sam is doing, particularly with getting out in the community, and so is his dad Harold. Following a recent visit, Harold commented on the remarkable progress Sam’s made with Creative Support. Harold said “I was proud of Sam yesterday and blown away by the commitment of the staff towards supporting him. He has developed so well. I feel that your organisation has a real ‘can do’ approach to care. I would also like to thank everyone for their care towards me. The staff always make me welcome when I visit.”
A big thank you to Terry and Sam for sharing their story with us, which you can hear more about in the full ‘Support Worker Diaries’ episode on our YouTube channel. If you’re feeling inspired to share your own support work story, email communications@creativesupport.co.uk to star in the next episode.
