Sophie Purdy joined Bluebird Care at just 19 years old, looking for an opportunity to begin working in care. What she discovered was a career that would help her build confidence, recognise her strengths and progress into a role where she now supports others to take their own first steps into the sector.
Today, Sophie is a Recruitment Coordinator at Bluebird Care Reading, Maidenhead & Windsor, having progressed from Care Assistant to Care Coordinator before moving into recruitment.
Taking her first step into care
After studying Health and Social Care, Sophie knew she wanted to find a role where she could support others and make a meaningful difference.
She joined Bluebird Care as a domiciliary Care Assistant, visiting customers in their own homes and helping them remain safe, comfortable and independent.
Starting her career at 19 was a big step, but the experience quickly helped Sophie develop both personally and professionally. She learned how to adapt to different situations, communicate with confidence and build trusting relationships with customers and their families.
It also showed her that a career in care could offer far more opportunities than she had initially realised.
It was only when I joined Bluebird Care that I realised just how many opportunities were available.
Discovering strengths she did not know she had
As Sophie gained experience, those around her began to recognise her potential.
With mentoring and practical support from her team, she developed the confidence to take on more responsibility and completed her Level 3 qualification. She progressed from delivering care in customers’ homes to becoming a Care Coordinator.
The move allowed Sophie to use the knowledge she had gained as a Care Assistant in a different way. She understood the realities of delivering care and could use that experience to support colleagues, coordinate visits and help ensure customers received consistent, high-quality care.
It was a role that revealed strengths Sophie had not previously recognised in herself, from organisation and communication to supporting people through challenges.
Moving into recruitment
Sophie’s career later took another direction when she progressed into the position of Recruitment Coordinator.
Her experience across both care and coordination gave her a valuable understanding of what makes someone well suited to a career in care. She now helps candidates understand the role, recognise the skills they can bring and begin their own journey with Bluebird Care.
Having started as a Care Assistant herself, Sophie knows that people do not always arrive with their entire career mapped out. Sometimes, they simply need an opportunity, encouragement and someone who can see their potential.
Her current role allows her to provide that support and help more people discover the rewarding careers available within social care.
More than the job she originally applied for
Sophie’s journey shows that a first role in care can open the door to many different possibilities.
From supporting customers in their homes to coordinating care and helping recruit the next generation of Care Professionals, each stage of her career has allowed her to develop new skills and make a difference in a new way.
What began as an application for a care role became the start of a career.
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Could this be your story?
You do not need to have your entire career planned before joining Bluebird Care. Like Sophie, you may discover abilities you did not know you had and opportunities you had never previously considered.
Whether you want to provide care, support an office team, coordinate services or help others begin their careers, Bluebird Care offers opportunities to learn, develop and progress.
Explore our latest vacancies and discover where a career with Bluebird Care could take you.
Part of the Care Index Stories series
Sophie’s journey forms part of our Care Index Stories: Real career journeys from across Bluebird Care series, sharing the experiences of people who have built meaningful and rewarding careers within social care.
Download Untapped Opportunities: Building Meaningful Careers in Social Care
