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Press Release |
Ref: PRCP012 Date: 29thOctober 2020
Wolves commentator scores career goal
A LIFELONG Wolves fan familiar to listeners of local radio stations has scored a career goal by combining his work as a commentator with a new job as a carer.
Robbie Meakin, 29, began playing in local youth teams when he was just seven years old and continued until his early 20s, before turning to coaching. He now presents the Saturday Sport Show on Wolverhampton's community radio station and commentates on Wolves games for BBC Radio WM.
Until recently, Robbie's ‘day job' was in local pubs but lockdown prompted him to look for a new challenge that was flexible enough to fit into his busy life. His sister's work as a carer inspired him to consider something similar. Now he is working for not-for-profit provider Care Plus helping to care for people in their own homes. And he's even been able to talk football with some elderly Wolves fans!
"I wanted to do something different, where I felt that I was making a positive difference," Robbie explains. "I didn't have any experience but I've always enjoyed helping people and I got all the training I needed, before I went out on my own.
"I started at a strange time for any new job, in the middle of a pandemic. I never felt anxious about that. We have all the PPE we need and really clear guidelines to keep us and our customers safe.
"There hasn't been a single day when I haven't looked forward to starting work. I've got the regular people I visit and I really enjoy seeing them. It's like working with friends. There's always time to chat and one or two of my customers are Wolves fans, so we talk about some of the great players of the past and catch-up with the latest results."
Les Clarke is Executive director of Care Plus, part of Housing Plus Group He said that Robbie is one of a growing number of people changing career in lockdown.
"We have found that people who have been made redundant, placed on furlough or had their lives put on hold during lockdown have gained a new perspective on work. Like Robbie, they are telling us that they want to do something worthwhile, where they can go home at the end of the day knowing that they have made a difference. Often, they want to combine a new job with studying, responsibilities in the home or other work. We're offering a range of different working patterns and full training to meet the needs of these fantastic new carers."
Care Plus is currently offering opportunities for full-time, part-time and flexible work throughout Staffordshire and Shropshire. For details, see the websitewww.care-plus.org.uk
Captions:
Combining his carer and commentator careers, Robbie Meakin.
ENDS
Background for editors
Care Plus specialises in housing and support for older people and those with physical or learning difficulties. Managing 53 retirement living communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire, Care Plus helps people to live independently in their own homes with support including 24:7 telecare response, wellbeing services and domiciliary care.
The personal care service delivered by Care Plus has been assessed as Good in all areas by the Care Quality Commission.
Care Plus is registered as a Charitable Community Benefit Society and is part of Housing Plus Group, a leading provider of quality, affordable homes and care services that customers can trust across Shropshire and Staffordshire. Housing Plus Group members also include South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing, Stafford and Rural Homes and Severn Homes.
Housing Plus Group is addressing the housing crisis by starting to build 2,000 new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale by 2023. The Group has pledged to deliver one-third more hours of care and support for older people in their own homes and to create apprenticeship opportunities for 100 people in the Group and its supply chain within five years.
Its members are inspired by the CLARITY values which are the foundations of its work: Communication, Learning, Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trust and YOU.
Further information
Mara Hargreaves
Head of marketing and communications
m:07800 619 863
e:mara.hargreaves@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Clare Chick
Marketing and communications officer
m: 07950 254 279
e:clare.chick@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Martin Farrow
CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588
m: +44 (0)7771 970025
e:mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk