A world record-holding circus entertainer and a globetrotting cabin crew hostess are among those who’ve been hit by the pandemic finding new careers in the care sector.

With unemployment on the rise, a care company has been helping those made redundant or unable to find work to start new ventures by offering roles across its homes in Kent.

Nellsar says it has taken on people from all different backgrounds, some of whom hadn’t previously worked or even thought about a career in social care.

One of those is Danielle Martin, who was recently appointed as the recreation and well-being champion at The Old Downs Residential Care Centre in Hartley.

Going by the stage name Daniella D’Ville, the circus and sideshow entertainer had graced the stage and screen for more than a decade before the pandemic hit, appearing in a variety of theatre shows, festivals, cabarets, and on TV.

A classical dancer and holder of seven Guinness World Records, Daniella has gone from sword swallowing and snake charming to caring for Nellsar’s elderly residents.

She said: “The events of this year meant all my jobs were cancelled, so I was looking for new work. I actually didn’t even know this type of job existed until I found it online and as I read more about it, I realised how suited I would be for it.

"My previous role and being a recreation and well-being champion are very different jobs in one sense, but there are similarities. In both, you want to make people smile, grab their attention and get them to come on a journey with you and offer some escapism.”

Transferring her skills as an entertainer for the general public, Daniella plans to use her experience in producing large-scale events to create captivating, fun-filled activities for her new audience at The Old Downs, in Castle Hill.

Another new face is Hayley Bowles, who has joined Nellsar’s Lukestone Care Centre, in Maidstone, as a recreation and well-being liaison.

After spending 15 years with British Airways as long-haul flight cabin crew, jetting across the world, Hayley, like many airline cabin crew, found herself jobless during the pandemic.

Despite the change in scenery, Hayley says she has settled in quickly to her new role and is able to use some of the skills from her previous career.

Hayley said: “As cabin crew, I was always keen to be on hand to assist the elderly on board, which is how I knew I would fit well into a care environment. Helping people comes naturally to me.

"My role was centred around communication and I was required to keep people safe and deal with every situation. People skills and emotional intelligence were key.”

“I’m used to working with different people, a different mix of personalities and dynamics – which is the same as found in a care home. It’s about getting to know people really well so you can build up trust and friendship.”

Martin Barrett, Nellsar’s managing director, said: “At Nellsar, we promote and seek out creative, transferable skills across our highly professional workforce and so it was only right to offer opportunities to those who behold these unique skillsets and who found themselves at unforeseen crossroads in their careers.

"Since the pandemic began, we’ve taken on people from all different backgrounds, some of whom hadn’t previously worked or even thought about a career in social care, but who have excelled in their new roles and are now crucial team members in their respective homes.”

He continued: “The clue is in the name of social care; it’s about being able to care and show empathy, understanding and compassion to others.

"Ultimately, we work in the people sector, and if others have had experience working and engaging with the elderly, then the opportunity is there to transfer those skills into a new, exciting career where they can make a real difference to people’s lives. That’s special, and it’s something Nellsar will continue to promote going forward into next year.”

As part of its recruitment drive, Nellsar has also appointed Mel Satchwell as registered manager of Loose Valley Care Centre, in Maidstone, while Ami Barrington-Hunt has joined Sonya Lodge Residential Care Centre, near Dartford, also as registered manager.

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