Man with Down's syndrome becomes 'valued member of staff' at Bristol care home

Alex Warman, who has Down’s syndrome, has become a “valued member of staff” at a care home in Bristol, where he works as a catering assistant.

Alex Warman is employed by St Monica Trust’s Garden House care home in Westbury-on-Trym.

St Monica Trust featured in the first series of Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds and also runs the retirement village where Gogglebox stars, the much-loved Mary and Marina live.

In his role as catering assistant, Alex Warman lays the tables in the care home’s restaurant and sets up the trays and delivers lunch and drinks to residents’ rooms.

“I enjoy serving the drinks and talking to the residents. I think it is very good to work at St Monica Trust. People are very friendly and I enjoy doing a good job,” he says.

The Garden House team has been impressed with how confident Mr Warman is and his ability “to get stuck in”.

Senior caterer, Clare Prosper, said: “He’s got a lovely personality and a great sense of humour. The residents absolutely love Alex and seeing him is always guaranteed to put a smile on their faces.”

Working with Alex has also had a positive impact on Ms Prosper who says: “I was quite nervous when asked to work with Alex because I’d never worked with someone with Down’s syndrome before.

“Alex sometimes struggles with his speech, so I started to learn sign language. That means that if he’s struggling to communicate verbally, Alex can use sign language and I can understand him.

“The management team have also provided me with access to training from the Down’s Syndrome Association to help me better support Alex. It’s inspired me to think about becoming a support worker for people with learning disabilities in the future.”

Mr Harman was supported by his mum, Zoe, at his job interview and answered questions using a personalised tablet device.

Home business manager, Lin Thomas who interviewed him, said: “Alex had previous catering experience and we felt he had qualities to offer that would have a positive impact on residents and staff alike. We therefore offered him a part time, fixed term position for six months working eight hours per week over two days.

“Since joining us Alex has quickly settled into the team and become a valued member of staff, popular with both residents and staff across the whole care home. We’re very grateful for the support of the Down’s Syndrome Association in making Alex’s time with us so rewarding.”

As well as working at St Monica Trust, Mr Harman swims for Bristol Sharks, a swimming club for people with learning disabilities, and competes in Special Olympics events across the country.

He said: “I enjoy swimming and enter competitions in the UK when we’re allowed. This is good fun. I also play football twice a week, I go to a sports club and a youth club. I also go to a dance class and drama group. I keep very busy.”

The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) recently supported the launch of the global awareness campaign The Hiring Chain.

The Hiring Chain campaign is working with the Down’s Syndrome Association in the UK to support ‘WorkFit’, a national employment programme, which has so far developed 417 employment opportunities for people who have Down’s syndrome.

The DSA’s employment development officer, Paul Harrison said: “The message is that, as in the case of the St Monica Trust, hiring a person who has Down’s syndrome not only changes the life of the person concerned, but can trigger a virtuous circle of new opportunities for everyone.”

Only 5.6 per cent of people with learning disabilities were in paid employment in 2019-2020, despite 65 per cent of people with learning disabilities wanting to work, according to the Down’s Syndrome Association.

Carol Boys, chief executive of Down’s Syndrome Association, is appealing for businesses to embrace the ‘WorkFit’ programme and consider employing someone who has Down’s syndrome. She said: “We’re all being asked to live differently due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but for many adults who have Down’s syndrome, their jobs and independence have been extremely hard won.

“Therefore, redundancy and long-term furlough has hit people hard. Many adults who have Down’s syndrome work in sectors that have been particularly impacted by Covid-19 such as hospitality, catering and retail

“Employment rates for people who have learning disabilities are already incredibly low, and we are desperate for them not to fall further.”

The St Monica Trust provides accommodation, care and support for older and disabled people in Bristol and surrounding counties.

There is a huge range of job opportunities in the care home sector. If you are looking for a job in social care, click here for the leading UK care home jobs board.

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