Dorset charity Diverse Abilities supports hundreds of extraordinary children and adults living with a disability each year. Thanks to the charity’s fantastic staff these children and adults get the support they deserve and enjoy a fun and fulfilled life.
One member of staff Alex Turner, 35, is a personal support assistant within Adult Services at Diverse Abilities and has been at the charity for seven years and is on a zero-hour contract. She used to work as a travel agent but after having her second child she required a flexible role that she could fit around her personal commitments.
Alex said: “One of my friends recommended Diverse Abilities as I was looking for a new role that I could fit my life around, and the moment I started, I loved it. What makes Diverse Abilities great, is how flexible they are. As I am on a zero-hour contract I really enjoy the freedom to select when I want to work and if I can work more hours one week, I have the option to.
“Diverse Abilities is not only flexible, but their training is really enjoyable, and it helped build up my confidence to work in the services supporting adults.”
The charity is eager to meet more enthusiastic local people that feel they could support extraordinary people to achieve extraordinary things. The role involves caring for adults that live in their own home, assisting them with day to day tasks as well as supporting them to achieve life goals. There is also the opportunity to support people with disabilities at our adult centre, where many activities take place.
Lee Brady, HR manager at Diverse Abilities, said: “Joining the team at Diverse Abilities as a zero-hour personal support assistant provides flexibility to choose when you are available, giving the opportunity to work around your family and other commitments. We also offer competitive rates of pay, weekend enhancements, a company pension scheme, reward scheme and comprehensive training.”
Alex added: “I would say to anyone thinking of joining Diverse Abilities to do it. You can dip into different areas and find out what you like. You won’t regret it.”
Sarah Easton, 49, also works at Diverse Abilities on a zero-hour contract. She works full time at an insurance company but fits in hours with the charity in the evening and during the weekend. She said: “I love working for Diverse Abilities – I have a great feeling of pride when people ask what I do. Even though I work full time, it is great I can have a flexible contract with the charity to top up my income and feel that I am making a difference to people’s lives.
“I have gained so much experience working for Diverse Abilities and there are always the ‘perks of the jobs’ such as supporting service users to premier league football games, concerts, shows and of course participating in charity events. If someone was thinking of working for the charity I would definitely encourage them!”
To get involved with the charity or find out how Diverse Abilities supports children and adults living with disabilities visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk.