When 22-year-old care leaver Abbie Sadler walked into Daisy Homecare for her first work placement, she admits to being more than a little nervous.
“I was really overthinking and worried about messing anything up,” she said.
But just a few months later, Abbie is now a paid member of the team, delivering care and support to people across North East Lincolnshire – a journey made possible through the Family Enterprise Scheme and the support of a local Foster Friendly Business.
Abbie, who grew up in children’s homes and foster care, first heard about the opportunity through Creating Positive Opportunities (CPO) and the Family Enterprise Scheme. Although she was keen to gain experience, she had little idea how much the placement would change her life.
“From the first day, I knew this was the job I wanted to do,” she said.
Grimsby-based Daisy Homecare, which launched in August 2024, provides a range of support to people in their own homes, from personal care and medication support to companionship and help with everyday tasks. Through the Family Enterprise Scheme, the company offered Abbie the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop workplace skills.
Initially, Abbie shadowed experienced carers, helping with meal preparation, housekeeping and spending time with clients. While she arrived shy and lacking confidence, the team quickly noticed her determination.
“She was very nervous when she started,” said managing director Jess Goodwin. “You wouldn’t think she was the same person if you compared her to the young woman sitting here today. She was always asking questions, always wanting to learn and understand more.”
Director and finance manager Kirsty Marshall said it quickly became clear that Abbie had the right attitude for a career in care.
“She had the dedication,” said Kirsty. “Even when she was still learning, she wanted to be involved and help people. She wasn’t content just standing and watching. That’s what you want from someone in this role.”
As her confidence grew, so did her responsibilities. Today, Abbie supports clients with personal care, medication, housekeeping and social interaction, often working independently.
One recent milestone stood out to the team.
“Last weekend, she completed a full weekend of visits by herself,” said Jess. “She wasn’t afraid to ask for help if she needed it, but she got on with the job and succeeded. We were really proud of her.”
For Abbie, the role has brought more than just employment.
“My anxiety isn’t as bad as it used to be, and my mental health has improved loads since doing this job,” she said. “I’m not just sat at home doing nothing anymore. I actually have a purpose,” she beams.
Abbie believes her own experiences have also helped her connect with the people she supports.
“When some clients are confused or struggling, I can relate to how that feels,” she said. “It helps me understand them better and support them.”
Abbie credits the Daisy Homecare team for helping her settle in and thrive.
“They’ve supported me incredibly well,” she said. “They’ve made me feel part of the team.”
For Jess and Kirsty, Abbie’s success is exactly why initiatives like the Foster Friendly Business scheme and Family Enterprise Scheme truly matter.
“Everybody deserves an opportunity,” said Jess. “Some young people might not have had the same experiences or options as others, but they deserve that chance. Seeing how far Abbie has come has been the most rewarding part of all of this.”
Ann-Marie Matson, Director of Children’s Services at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Abbie’s story shows the difference that opportunities like the Family Enterprise Scheme and our Foster Friendly Business initiative can make. With the right support, encouragement and belief, young people can build confidence, develop valuable skills and achieve their ambitions. I would like to thank Daisy Homecare for recognising Abbie’s potential and providing an environment where she could thrive. We are incredibly proud of everything Abbie has achieved, and I hope her journey inspires more local businesses to get involved and help create brighter futures for care-experienced young people across North East Lincolnshire.”
Looking ahead, Abbie hopes to continue developing her career and one day become a paramedic. Whatever path she chooses, Daisy Homecare says it will be behind her every step of the way.
Abbie’s message to other young people considering a similar opportunity is simple: “Go for it. It’s totally worth it.”
And her story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when businesses open their doors. Through the Foster Friendly Business initiative and Family Enterprise Scheme, local employers can help care-experienced young people build confidence, develop skills and discover their potential – just as Abbie has done.
Are you interested in becoming a foster friendly business or school?
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Or would you like to find out more about fostering for NEL?
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