Mohamed's story
Social care is one of the most meaningful careers anyone can experience, yet it remains one of the most gender imbalanced. With the workforce made up predominantly of women, many men never picture themselves in this profession at all.
Mohamed, Service Leader at Community Integrated Care’s award-winning Gilmorton service in Leicester, shows why that needs to change. After ten years in the sector, his answer to the question “Is social care a career for men?” is a clear and confident yes.
Social care found him
A decade ago, Mohamed had a degree in economics and no plans to work in social care. His wife worked in the sector and often told him he had the qualities that matter most: calmness, patience, a natural ability to put people at ease. Friends said the same.
Inspired by this, he applied to Community Integrated Care and secured a role. During his first shadowing shift, a colleague with thirteen years of experience showed him how the smallest actions build trust, how listening changes everything and how even the way a bed is made can help someone feel safe.
“From that first shift, I thought: this is where I’m meant to be.”
Why male Support Workers matter
Most of the social care workforce are female, but the people supported come from all walks of life. Mohamed has seen first-hand why having male support workers matters.
One man he supports, someone he has travelled with across the UK and internationally, relies on male staff to feel safe and settled. This is not simply a preference. It is fundamental to his wellbeing and sense of security.
“Some of the men we support need someone they can relate to. When that connection is there, everything else becomes easier.”
Male support workers bring representation, balance and reassurance. Their presence can make a meaningful difference in how people feel, engage and live their lives.
Growing into social care leadership
Mohamed spent six years working on the frontline before applying for a senior role.
Today, he leads the same service where he began. He works alongside colleagues he has known for years and continues to support people who have been part of his journey from the start.
He completed the LEAD programme as he stepped into leadership and now supports others to develop in the same way.
“My leadership is about listening. When people feel valued, they give their best. And when staff feel supported, the people we support feel it too.”
His steady, thoughtful approach has helped create consistency for both colleagues and the people they support.
A defining career moment
When Mohamed’s eldest son, now eighteen, asked what he actually does at work, Mohamed explained it simply. He helps people live the lives they want to. He supports them with appointments, personal care, shopping and everyday routines. He is there when they need someone they trust.
His son paused, then said: “Oh, do you really do that? I’m proud of you.”
For Mohamed, that moment stayed with him. Hearing his son say those words helped him see his work differently. Not just as a job, but as something that truly matters.
Finding purpose in social care
Mohamed’s journey is a reminder that social care is built on human connection, regardless of gender. He entered the sector unsure of where he would fit and found a career that values empathy, trust and emotional intelligence. Ten years on, he has grown into a leader, built lasting relationships and made a real difference in people’s lives. His story shows that social care is not about following a set path, but about bringing who you are and using it to support others. For men who have never considered this career, his experience offers a simple truth. There is space for you here, and the impact you can have is greater than you might expect.
Mohamed’s service, Gilmorton Flats, won the Care Team of the Year at the Great British Care Awards.