Steve is a team leader at Webster Court, a service in Norwich St Martins runs for people aged over 50 who have experienced homelessness or are at risk. Each person has their own flat and the support to live as independently as possible — and Steve is one of the people making that independence feel achievable.
Steve didn’t begin his journey at St Martins with a long‑term plan. He originally applied as a locum, then moved into a full‑time care worker role at Webster Court. Along the way, he’s gained a Level 4 Leadership qualification and is currently working towards Level 5.
His academic background in psycho‑social studies sparked an early interest in mental health, but it’s the real‑world work that has shaped him most. Steve said, “Theory and learning is all well and good, but knowing residents’ stories and getting stuck in is the most important thing.”
Steve thrives on the complexity of the job — the problem‑solving, the unpredictability, the human connection. Working with people who have experienced trauma requires patience, adaptability and an understanding of personal choice. For Steve, that’s the heart of the work.
He explains that supporting residents isn’t about fixing everything, “You can’t fix the world, solve the problems, but you can offer people a little more stability.”
That stability might look different for each person. Some residents want regular engagement; others prefer support from a distance.
The skills that make a difference
Steve believes people often underestimate the skills they already have. In his own role, he draws on:
- Personal skills: starting conversation, timekeeping, building rapport
- Critical thinking: essential for planning and decision‑making
- Problem solving: navigating situations involving multiple agencies and limited control
- Person‑centred practice: adapting to each resident’s needs and preferences
Steve is a quiet person, and finds this actually helps people open up. His calm presence gives residents space to talk and feel heard — something he sees as vital in a setting where many interactions residents have are with doctors, nurses or psychiatric professionals.
Building community through activities
Life at Webster Court isn’t just about support plans and appointments. The team runs a range of activities that help people connect, express themselves and build confidence. These include:
Reflective and wellbeing groups
Mindfulness sessions
Music and art
For Steve, the reward is in the everyday moments: seeing someone regain confidence, maintain their tenancy, or simply feel more stable than they did the week before. Steve’s advice for anyone considering adult social care is “Just do it. You never know unless you try.”