"It’s more about listening to the individual.."

At 24, Jabe Norman is Green Light’s youngest Registered Manager. Jabe joined the company as it formed and was with a handful of others during our first induction in early 2011.  Since then Jabe has taken advantage of opportunities to learn, grow and develop within the company, helping Green Light establish its reputation in Cornwall.

 Jabe Norman (centre back row), with new team members, Charley (front left), Sarah, Barrie (back left) and Josh.

He now leads the team at Fairfield House, near Portreath, on the North coast of Cornwall.  The home has proven to be very popular with local families in need of short breaks for adults with autism.

“We use our local environment to our advantage at Fairfield.  We use the beaches, go on coastal walks and bike rides.  The home has a wonderful atmosphere, it is a great place to work.”

 

Jabe Norman

Having joined the social care sector six years ago Jabe has seen many changes in the way care is provided: “When I started out, with another care provider, we were expected to manage people’s behaviours in a way that was over controlling. I was in a room with seven people, it was a huge responsibility for one person.  Now it’s more about listening to the individual, empathising with what they are saying, rather than just trying to stop their behaviours.  We are far more pro-active, seeking feedback from the person, relatives and professionals, while trying to understand people’s behaviours and creating positive ways for them to cope with any anxieties that they might have in life.”  

He recently welcomed four new staff members to his team to accommodate increased demand.  Charley, a mother of two who used to work in a play centre; Sarah, a former Costa Coffee manageress; Barrie, a former media sales consultant; Josh, who worked in the hospitality trade and recently travelled across Australia and Thailand.  All joined Green Light wanting a new career, and one which gave them greater fulfillment. “My work as a sales consultant was very demanding and target driven,” said Barrie “As a support worker I know there will be challenges, but I’m hoping they will be ones that I enjoy and will be more rewarding. This is a business, but it’s very much about enabling people.  I think there’s more understanding of autism in the world today which makes it much easier going out into the local communities.”

Jo Pyrah (above), one of the founders of Green Light said “It’s fantastic to see Jabe take the lead like he has done.  Although Fairfield is only able to accommodate up to four people at any given time, there are 12 people, with very specific needs regularly using the service.  His calm, confident, unphased way works really well for him and for those around him.  Since joining us Jabe has built some really positive relationships with those we support, their families and importantly gained the respect and backing of his team.”  

Green Light is currently recruiting for Support Workers and Waking Night Support Workers.  Applications can be requested here

For further information on Green Light please go to switchedoncare.com

or call Sarah Miller or Kerry Noonan on 01209 200544.