A new start

After Renata Herkli’s marriage ended she decided she needed a new start so left her native Hungary to travel to the UK with the aim of learning English.

It was only intended to be a short stay but now, 14 years later, she is settled with a home, three children and a career she loves with Caremark Kirklees.

“I didn’t plan to stay that long, I guess I just got used to it. I’ve been back to Hungary to visit friends and relatives, but I’m not tempted to stay,” she said.

“I love my job and my life in the UK – it is a bit colder and there’s more rain than Hungary, but you soon get used to that.”

Renata gained qualifications in social work and health care whilst in Hungary and has been working in home care for Caremark Kirklees for the past year.

When several staff recently needed time off due to illness Renata stepped forward to take on extra shifts to ensure those in need received the necessary care and this dedication saw her named carer of the month.

“That was a very happy surprise. I worked virtually every day for a month because you cannot just leave vulnerable people to cope on their own and it was lovely to be recognised for that effort,” she said. “To do this work it is not enough just to want a job, you need to have a passion for it.”

Renata, 36, hopes to gain further qualifications with Caremark Kirklees and go on to become a senior carer.

 “The support we receive from Caremark and the managers, and the training updates are excellent.  I love it here and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else,” she said.