Sammie’s story
“Being a leader in social care is not just a job. It is a responsibility and a privilege.”
Some careers are chosen, and some find you. For Sammie, her path began at home, supporting her grandad alongside her family. That experience sparked a desire to build a career rooted in compassion and purpose.
Six years later, she now leads the very Community Integrated Care service where she first began.
A different kind of service
Before joining social care, Sammie built a successful career in hospitality, developing strong people skills that later shaped her leadership style. After her grandad’s passing, she moved into retail and took time to reflect on what she truly wanted. Seeing the empathy and resilience within her family helped her realise she felt called to support others.
“I just knew it was where I was meant to be. Making a meaningful difference to people’s lives gave me the sense of purpose I had been searching for.”
Back where it all began
Sammie joined Community Integrated Care as a Support Worker and quickly showed a passion for learning and leadership. A former manager once told her, “One day you will take over this service,” a comment that stayed with her and fuelled her progression.
Community Integrated Care recognised that potential and backed it. She completed her Level 5 Management and Leadership qualification, fully funded and supported through the charity - giving her the tools, confidence and credentials to step into leadership on her own terms. Alongside this, she completed both the LEAD and LEAD Next Level programmes, further equipping her with the skills to lead with purpose and impact.
Growing people, not just services
When asked what drives her, Sammie is clear:
“Seeing people grow, not just the people we support but also my team, continues to be the driving force behind my career.”
Experiencing how strong social care leadership can shape people’s future helped her become the authentic, compassionate leader she is today - and it's the same investment in people that she now brings to her own team.
Room for growth
Sammie continues to develop her coaching and leadership skills, recently welcomed a new Deputy into her team, and is progressing through the LEAD Next Level programme for aspiring Regional Managers.
Sammie's story reflects something at the heart of Community Integrated Care: a genuine commitment to helping colleagues grow, offering pathways, qualifications and active support.
She feels grateful for the opportunities she has had and remains committed to growing her career.
A career that could change your life too
For anyone considering a move into social care, especially from a different sector, Sammie’s story is a powerful reminder:
You do not need to have started your career in care. You just need to care.