“Being in social care, I like the fact that every day is different.”: Why Busayo loves working in social care
Thinking about a career in social care? Busayo can tell you why she loves it.
She’s a Support Practitioner at our Muirhouse service in Edinburgh, where a small group of women with complex care needs live together, supported to live independent lives in their own home. She shares what draws her to the job, what a normal day looks like, and the moment she knew she was making a difference.
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Gillian and Ailsa, Muirhouse Service
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Busayo, Support Practitioner, Muirhouse Service
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Gillian's Trip to the Library
How did you get into social care?
“I got into support work because I love helping people. I love making an impact in people’s lives,” says Busayo, who has worked at Carr Gomm for two years and five months. Growing up with her grandmother meant caring for others already felt like a natural part of life, helping her build patience, empathy and communication skills along the way.”
What does a regular day look like for a Support Practitioner?
A regular day starts with checking in with the person supported, then helping with daily routines: personal care, meals, medication, appointments, and time out in the community. “Because we provide person-centred support, we always make sure we carry them along with the support we give,” Busayo explains. “From the beginning of the shift to the end of the shift, it’s always person-centred.”
What do you enjoy most about the job?
“I like the fact that every day is different,” she says. “Every day comes with different challenges, different tasks, different responsibilities and goals to achieve.”
Muirhouse Service Anniversary Celebration
Can you share a moment when you felt you made a real difference?
Busayo remembers a shopping trip with the woman she supports. The first top she picked out didn’t land, so they moved to another store and tried again. “I brought up another one, raised it, and she smiled. It was such a good day for me. I can’t forget that day… I made a difference.”
What do people misunderstand about social care?
“I think some people misunderstand social care because they think it’s only about the basic care tasks, but it’s way more than that,” says Busayo. “Working in social care is all about building trust, encouraging independence, and ensuring people we support can exercise their rights in the community. It’s about helping them improve their quality of life.”
“It’s about helping them improve their quality of life.”
What qualities do you need for this job?
Patience, empathy, respect, reliability, and being an active listener and clear communicator. “If you have all these qualities, I believe you’ll do well in the job.”
What advice would you give someone thinking of working in social care?
“Be patient. Be open to learning. Treat everyone with respect and be kind to people. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for help from your colleagues.”
Carr Gomm Represents Social Care at Royal Garden Party 2026
Discover a career with Carr Gomm
Interested in a career in social care? We regularly recruit Support Practitioners for our services across Scotland, supporting people to live their best lives. It’s a rewarding career, and we’ll support you to achieve your SVQ in Health and Social Care along the way.
Find out more about working with us.