19th October 2026
Sanctuary Supported Living
Shauna, Project Worker at Wellington Road, has been supported to develop her career while managing a disability.
How Sanctuary Supported Living helped Shauna build her social work career while managing a disability
When Shauna joined Sanctuary Supported Living in 2025 as a Project Worker, she was determined to find an employer that would support her health needs and help her continue working towards her ambition of becoming a qualified social worker.
Shauna lives with Type 1 diabetes, visual impairment and nerve damage. Before joining Sanctuary Supported Living, she had experienced a difficult university placement where the support and reasonable adjustments she needed were not in place.
Rather than allowing that experience to define her future, Shauna looked for an organisation where she could be open about her needs, access the right support and continue developing her career.
What workplace adjustments helped Shauna succeed at work?
Since joining Wellington Road, one of our mental health services in Salford, Shauna has worked closely with the Local Service Manager, the wider team, and customers to create an environment in which she feels safe, understood and supported.
Practical adjustments, awareness training, customer education sessions and emergency planning have helped people understand Shauna’s health needs and how they can support her when required.
One particularly powerful moment came when a customer noticed an alert on Shauna’s phone indicating that her blood sugar levels were low and immediately brought it to her attention. Colleagues have also supported Shauna during challenging health episodes, helping her remain safe at work.
“The care, openness and support from the team make coming to work achievable and feel like I’m at home. I feel safe, and I’m able to have open conversations as my needs change.
“I’m always met with a positive adjustment that allows me to continue to thrive.”
"The care, openness and support from the team make coming to work achievable"
What is it like to work as a Project Worker in a mental health service?
A Project Worker's role is to help people with mental health needs live as independently as possible. Day-to-day responsibilities include providing one-to-one support, helping customers manage their wellbeing, reviewing support plans, carrying out risk assessments and delivering activities that promote recovery and confidence.
For Shauna, the opportunity to work directly with customers and support them on their recovery journeys has provided valuable hands-on experience while she works towards becoming a qualified social worker. The role allows her to make a meaningful difference every day while continuing her own professional development.
How has Sanctuary Supported Living supported Shauna's social work ambitions?
Alongside supporting Shauna’s health needs, Donna and the Area Service Manager have helped her continue working towards becoming a qualified social worker.
Shauna has been given opportunities to shadow colleagues and complete practice requirements that contribute to her professional development. She and Donna have also worked with Occupational Health to explore further adjustments, including accessible equipment and support for her visual impairment.
By creating opportunities around Shauna’s individual needs, the team has helped her continue building her experience, confidence and career.
How is Shauna helping improve disability awareness across the organisation?
Shauna’s openness has also created opportunities to help others. Together, Shauna and Donna have developed resources, presentations and awareness sessions to increase understanding of Type 1 diabetes across Sanctuary Supported Living.
The knowledge they have shared is already helping another colleague who has recently joined the organisation, extending the impact of their work beyond Wellington Road.
Shauna’s story demonstrates what inclusion looks like in practice. Through open conversations, equitable adjustments and a shared commitment to removing barriers, she has been empowered to thrive in her role while continuing to pursue her long-term ambition.
Looking for an inclusive employer that supports career development?
At Sanctuary Supported Living, we’re committed to maintaining a culture of trust and support, enabling our colleagues to be their best. We work together to remove barriers, make reasonable adjustments and create opportunities for people to develop their skills and progress their careers.
If you are looking for a workplace where you can be supported to thrive and achieve your ambitions, search and apply for your next role with Sanctuary Supported Living today.
