Louise began her career with Bluebird Care as a Care Assistant, quickly demonstrating strong commitment, capability and compassion. She progressed into a senior role before taking a short personal break.
In April 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Louise returned to the business in a Care Coordinator role.
At the same time, Louise was undergoing private assessments for autism.
She received her formal diagnosis in June 2021, which provided clarity and understanding around her strengths, needs and working style.
Supportive Leadership and Early Conversations
Vicki and Louise worked together to put practical, person-centred adjustments in place, including:
•Important information shared via email rather than face-to-face, supporting information processing and concentration
•Discreet, one-to-one feedback to reduce unnecessary pressure and anxiety
•Access to a quiet space when feeling overwhelmed
•Clear, structured and precise instructions for tasks and responsibilities
These adjustments were simple yet highly effective, enabling Louise to feel supported, understood and confident in her role.
Career Progression and Professional Growth
With the right support in place, Louise flourished. She successfully managed multiple responsibilities, including rota coordination and operational tasks, before progressing into a Field Care Supervisor role. This involved completing customer assessments, reviews and developing detailed care plans.
Although Louise initially felt apprehensive about delivering training due to being in the spotlight, she was encouraged and supported to step outside her comfort zone. With reasonable adjustments and ongoing reassurance, including co-delivering sessions alongside Vicki, in October 2025 Louise transitioned into the role of Staff Development and Engagement Lead.
Today, Louise confidently delivers three full days of training multiple times a month across three locations, demonstrating significant professional growth and self-belief.
Recognising Strengths and Building Confidence
Louise’s success highlights the importance of recognising individual strengths. Her skills in problem-solving, quick thinking, pattern recognition, computer literacy and creativity have been embraced and nurtured. By aligning her responsibilities with her strengths and supporting her energy levels, Bluebird Care has enabled Louise to thrive in a complex, social and high-responsibility role.
Creating A Ripple Effect
Louise’s journey has had a positive impact beyond her own role. Following her diagnosis, she supported another colleague, CH, who was undergoing assessment and awaiting a diagnosis. Drawing on her lived experience, Louise provided reassurance, empathy and practical support during what can be an uncertain and emotional time.
Louise willingly dedicated time, including outside of working hours, to ensure her colleague felt supported and understood, reinforcing a culture of peer support and compassion.
Becoming a Mental Health Champion
Recognising Louise’s empathy, insight and growing confidence, Vicki encouraged her to complete Mental Health First Aider training. Louise successfully completed the course and now holds the role of Mental Health & Wellbeing Champion within Bluebird Care Burton & Swadlincote.
In this role, Louise leads wellbeing sessions, acts as a trusted point of contact for colleagues and creates safe spaces for open conversations around mental health.
These sessions have increased awareness, reduced stigma and strengthened the overall wellbeing culture within the organisation.
.jpg?language=en "Congratulations to Louise Hawksworth on Achieving Her Mental Health First Aid Certificate!")
Impact on the Team
The impact of Louise’s wellbeing work has been widely felt across the team. Staff report increased confidence, improved wellbeing and a stronger sense of connection and understanding at work.
Had great fun today and enjoyed the session, can’t wait for the next one. Thank you, Louise, you’re awesome!” – N. Majaweta
Wider Organisational Impact
Louise’s journey demonstrates how empowering employees with lived experience can positively influence an entire organisation. By investing in her development and recognising her strengths, Bluebird Care Burton & Swadlincote has strengthened its approach to inclusion, peer support and wellbeing.
This case study reinforces our commitment to being a Disability Confident Employer – a workplace where reasonable adjustments are embraced, individual strengths are valued, and employees are encouraged to use their experiences to support others, challenge stigma and drive meaningful cultural change.
Louise's Reflection
The support I’ve received from Vicki and the team has been life-changing. They took the time to understand me, my strengths and my needs, which has allowed me to grow in ways I never thought possible. Being autistic comes with unique skills, and having the right support has helped me turn those into real career success. I’m beyond grateful and excited for what’s next.
Louise’s story is a clear example of how inclusive leadership, reasonable adjustments and a strengths-based approach can empower individuals to thrive. It reflects not only her resilience and talent, but also the inclusive, compassionate culture at Bluebird Care Burton & Swadlincote, where people are supported to be their best – at work and beyond.
