Cornish butcher becomes a carer after a chance encounter with a man with Parkinson's disease
David Collings, 51, changed his career in just two weeks
A former butcher of more than 35 years has gone from making pasties to caring for vulnerable people, after a series of events inspired him to become a carer.
David first took on the role of first aider in the food production plant he was working in. This proved invaluable when a man fell out of a vehicle onto a pavement outside the butcher's shop.
The man had stopped breathing and David and his boss gave him emergency first aid until the air ambulance arrived – helping to save his life.
Three years ago, he saw the incredible care and compassion provided by people working in the caring profession when his father suffered a stroke.
This inspired David to become a volunteer at St John Ambulance. If he had not been stopped on his way to work by a woman seeking help to get her husband to an urgent GP appointment, he may still have been a butcher.
After returning home he spent the evening looking at, and then applying for, jobs in social care. After being offered a job almost immediately, he took a week’s holiday the following week to carry out some initial training, starting his new career – and his new life – the week after.
“I became a butcher at the age of 15 and thought I would be doing that job until I retired. I then experienced a number of different events which led to my sitting at home looking at jobs in social care on the internet - and finally deciding to change my life..
“I began working for Bluebird Care at the beginning of March and could not be happier. My job involves doing “double handed “ rounds caring for people with conditions such as Parkinson's and MS, who need extra support. I also provide end of life care for people who are terminally ill.
“As well as being an incredibly rewarding job, I love listening to people’s life stories. Everyone has their own story to tell and it is a privilege to be able to share their experiences while providing care and support”.
David Collings
David is one of a growing number of people who have changed careers to become health and social care professionals, with providers across Cornwall keen to encourage more people to follow his example and join the sector.
With the demand for social care and health workers greater than ever because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, independent social care providers and health professionals across Cornwall have joined together to stage a joint recruitment campaign under the Proud to Care umbrella.
To find out more please call 01872 229977 to speak to one of our team of experienced social care providers who will be happy to talk to you about what it is really like to work in the sector and the opportunities available . The phone line is open between 9 am and 9pm seven days a week.