Bereaved Norfolk carer Helen Barnes uses her loss to help others at Extra Hands
Having joined a family-run care provider a little over a year ago, one woman is putting her own life experience to good use.
The death of her husband prompted Helen Barnes to take a job in the care industry, where she now helps and supports others.
The 58-year-old grandmother from Hillington joined Extra Hands in 2023 and feels very much at home in her new role.
She said: “It’s been really good. I’ve learned so much and the training was very good, and there’s so much support.
“I enjoy everything about the job. Every day is different. You never know what you’re going to get, and it’s always interesting, so you never get bored.
“You also meet some amazing people, who have some amazing stories to tell about their lives. I get home at the end of the day and feel I’ve done something useful.”
Mrs Barnes, who works from Extra Hands’ Heacham office, has also experienced the deaths of her parents, and believes going through bereavement has made her a better carer.
“I was married for 39 years, and because of what I’ve been through, when I go to a lady who's lost her husband, I can understand what she’s feeling,” she added.
“I have lost both my parents too, but that is not the same as losing your husband.”
It was a friend who advised her to apply to Extra Hands, which provides bespoke care packages across West Norfolk and also has an office in Broadland.
Mrs Barnes said it was a job she had always thought about but was not sure she could do.
“Everyone said I would be good at it,” she said.
“I’ve always been the type of person who likes to help others, and, when my friends need me, I’m always there for them.
“A friend who already worked for Extra Hands suggested that I try.
“In the past, I have done retail work and worked on a fish and chip van. I’ve also worked with race horses, so I have done all sorts.”
With a year in the role under her belt, Mrs Barnes is keen to encourage others to follow in her footsteps.
“If you’re thinking about care work, I’d say give it a go. If, like me, you’re not sure you’ll like it, it’s worth giving it a go. It’s a very rewarding job,” she said.
“I don’t ever wake up in the morning and think, ‘Oh no, I’ve got to go to work.’ I really enjoy doing it.
“If you find a job you enjoy, you’re very lucky. Not many people have that.”