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Mandy was working as an accounts assistant in the aviation industry when she started looking for a new direction. She wanted something more meaningful — a role where she could make a real difference in someone’s life. With no background in care, Mandy wasn’t sure she had the right experience. But when she saw an…

Charlotte was in the final year of her PhD in Medical Humanities (English Literature) when she applied for GCIL’s Professional Careers Programme. An academic career was becoming less viable — it would likely mean moving away from her established support network and the trusted healthcare professionals she relied on. Charlotte had always been interested in…

Alan lives independently in his own tenancy. He’s supported by his mum, his wider family, and a team of two Personal Assistants (PAs) that he employs through a Direct Payment. Alan has been assessed by the local authority at the highest level of need, described as ‘Complex’, and receives a Direct Payment budget for 12…

Mr Lennox cares for his wife, who lives with dementia. At the time he contacted GCIL’s Take Control office, she had a small support package: 3.5 hours of personal care each week and two days at a local day centre. But the personal care wasn’t working well. Carers often arrived late — sometimes after Mrs Lennox…