Three generations at Trevarna

When Sarah Hitchens, 39, first started working at Cornwall Care’s Trevarna nursing home in St Austell she was just 17. Her mum, Mary Whitehead was employed as a carer there and, eager to earn her own living, Sarah wanted to try it out as a job too.

 

Twenty-one years later and Sarah has been appointed as the home’s manager. Not only that, she’s working alongside both her mother and her daughter, Lauren, 17, who’s just starts training there.

 

“I’m dyslexic and didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left school,” said Sarah. “I came to Trevarna on a whim because Mum worked here but soon discovered I loved it. Apart from short breaks when I had my three children, I’ve been here ever since and couldn’t be happier that Lauren has decided to join as well.

 

“She’s already got her Level 3 in health and social care at college and has taken to the job as naturally as I did.

 

“Getting qualifications has always been difficult for me because of my dyslexia but, thanks to the huge support I’ve had from colleagues throughout my career, I’ve managed to overcome that challenge. I really love what I do and for my family to have three generations working in the home is amazing.”

 

As the newly appointed manager, Sarah has overall responsibility for 53 residents in need of 24-hour care and about 125 staff.

 

“I’m so proud of what she’s achieved,” said her mum, Mary, who now works a part-time in the home’s housekeeping team. “I’ve always loved meeting and talking to the people we look after and having Lauren here as well is lovely. We’re both mindful that Sarah is the boss at Trevarna, though, and make sure work is work when we’re here.”

 

Lauren, who currently spends 32.5 hours a week in the home, is similarly upbeat.

 

“I’m enjoying the training and really like care,” she said. “I’m doing a bit of everything at the moment, which is giving me a good understanding of what needs to happen. It’s nice to be able to help people and, as Mum has proved, there’s very good progression for those who want it.”

 

Cornwall Care runs two homes in St Austell, plus another thirteen throughout the county.

 

For more information about the jobs available, visit the careers website.