One Year Working at Hillebrand Shaw & Co

As 2025 draws to a close, it also marks my one-year anniversary of working at Hillebrand Shaw & Co as a support worker, a role that has been both challenging at times, but fulfilling and rewarding in ways I didn’t fully expect.

Maeve pictured at the Hillebrand Shaw & Co Christmas and birthday party!

When I first started this role, I wasn’t entirely sure what the day-to-day would look like. Having previous experience as a support worker across different organisations, what drew me specifically to Hillebrand Shaw & Co was my early impressions of Tomika and Corey. Their genuine and unrelenting care for the people they support and equally for the people they work alongside stood out immediately.

Over this past year, that first impression has only been reinforced through their open communication, regular well-being check-ins, and effort to be responsive even on their busiest (and often very hectic) days. That clear commitment to upholding their values they first shared with me during my interview has actively shaped the culture here and set the tone for everything our team does.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of supporting a diverse group of individuals who have welcomed me into their homes, trusted me with their stories, shared their quirks and interests, and let me become part of their everyday routines. As we’ve built stability and trust together, I’ve been able to celebrate both the big and small wins with them. Seeing confidence grow, independence strengthen, and engagement in goals that truly matter to them has been one of the most meaningful parts of this role.

One important lesson I’ve come to appreciate is that this role cannot be defined by a single routine. Every client brings their own strengths, needs, and preferences, which means support must be individualised and aligned with the goals and independence they’re working toward. This has taught me the value of being adaptable and flexible in how I work. While each day looks a little different, the insight I’ve gained over the past year has helped me better understand how to support each person in the way that suits them best.

Xmas & First Birthday!

As the team celebrates the one-year anniversary of Hillebrand Shaw & Co, I feel proud to be part of a workplace that genuinely cares about the work it does and the people involved in it. It’s been so incredible to contribute during the company’s early stages and to see how much it has grown in such a short time.

Looking ahead to 2026, I’m excited to keep learning, continue supporting the people I work with, develop new skills, and be part of a team committed to meaningful, person-centred work every day.