Cara had a challenging start in life as a child in care and without any positive role models. Over her life, she has overcome various personal challenges and has helped others to overcome theirs. One of her formative experiences was helping to care for her grandmother, who had dementia but was determined to stay at home until the end of her life. Cara and her family enabled this and it reinforced the importance of helping people to achieve what is most important to them.
Cara was in receipt of universal credit and wanted to find a way to generate income doing something she loved. She has a natural empathy and due to her life experiences, was able to offer good advice to other people who faced challenging circumstances. Cara initially tried to apply for roles with local care agencies but was rejected because of her background, so she decided to set up a community micro-enterprise to be able to offer these services more formally herself.
In early 2025, Cara reached out to Joseph, the Community Catalyst for Waveney, to explore starting her own care and support business.
With Joseph’s tailored support, Cara established Suffolk Home Help, offering home help, companionship and personal care services. She was supported to put together a business portfolio and meet the Doing It Right Standards, which ensure that community micro-enterprises are safe, legal, personalised and sustainable.
Just as Cara established her enterprise, her daughter sadly died. She reflects that she had two choices in life: to give up, or to carry on doing her best. She chose the latter option, which reflects her strength and determination. Cara has found meaning in helping others to live a good life.
She gets as much out of her enterprise as she puts in for the benefit of others. Cara is motivated by helping people to live a good life, as independently as possible, as well as reducing the burden on family carers. She also has a lot of fun with the people she supports. Recently, she went bowling with an older gentleman and had a hilarious time. This gentleman has been inspired to take more care of himself – he is now dressing and taking care of his personal hygiene with Cara’s support.
Cara took advantage of a variety of training courses that Joseph signposted her to as part of the Community Catalysts development programme.
She signed up to the Apollo Project at Suffolk New College and undertook all of the Level 2 courses available.
She went on to receive an ‘Exceptional Achievement Award’ for being a dedicated and enthusiastic learner.
Cara’s story is one of resilience, empathy and passion – using her own life experiences to make a positive difference to others.
Community Catalysts, in partnership with Suffolk County Council, is enabling people across the county to set up small, personalised community micro-enterprises that offer care and support in their local communities. If you’re interested to learn more, please get in touch.