Kedleston Group are rallying behind new recruit Rohan Collins afer she was shortlisted for Newcomer of the Year in the National Children's and Young People's Awards.
Rohan Collins had always wanted to work in care and support vulnerable young people. However, as a person with autism, she had struggled to find a role in her chosen career. The team at Dovedale House, a new residential children’s home in Derbyshire, however saw real potential and appointed her as a care worker five months ago. And it is a decision that has been proved right repeatedly since then.
As a care worker supporting children with a range of challenging needs, Rohan is never anything less than a fierce advocate for them. She is empathetic and extremely caring, putting her own needs aside to ensure the young people at Dovedale have what they need to thrive and to ultimately return to family living or to foster families.
When one of the young people needed to self-isolate as a result of COVID-19. Rohan was the first to volunteer to isolate alongside her – despite her own health difficulties. She did so to ensure the young person – who has significant challenges – would have a consistent positive presence throughout what could have been a really difficult time for her. With Rohan’s support, it proved to be a positive experience for the young person.
The home is part of Kedleston Group and Gillian Miele, Head of Social Care, says: “Rohan is just amazing. In a short space of time, and considering this is her first role in care, she has developed really positive relationships with the young people and acts as a real advocate for them.
“While the finishing touches were being made to Dovedale before it opened, Rohan was posted in one of our larger residential settings. She adapted so well and built fantastic relationships there too. When it was time to come to Dovedale, no-one – children or staff – wanted her to leave.”
Like the whole team at Dovedale, Rohan took part in a six-week full time training programme to prepare her for the role and to help her build strong realtionships with colleagues.