TWO sisters who work in an Alexandria care home are encouraging others to consider a career in social care.

Balquhidder House, part of the Handsale Care Group, is shining a light on several of its carers and showcasing that there are an array of transferable skills that can be utilised in a career in social care.

The family-run care home are highlighting two carers - sisters Christine Naikin and Gemma Gallagher - for their incredible contribution they make towards the sector and the community.

They are now encouraging people in Dumbarton and the Vale to join them developing important life skills.

“I’ve been working in social care for one-and-a-half years now and in that short space of time I’ve learnt and developed so many important skills,” said Christine.

The well-being facilitator continued: "It’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had. My previous background was in retail and cleaning, but I’ve really found my feet here and I couldn’t be happier.

"I genuinely feel this is where I’m supposed to be and what I’m supposed to be doing. There’s no greater feeling than putting a smile on someone’s face.”

Christine’s sister, Gemma Gallagher, who is also a senior carer at Balquhidder, said: “I can’t think of a more rewarding and inspiring place to work.

"I’ve been at Balquhidder for four years now and the support system here has been incredible. Working alongside my sister helps, too.

The 37-year-old added: "The benefits of working together with your family in care are that there is always someone there who understands you and helps you.

"I always have someone that can relate to how I’m feeling and can act as a support system in the most challenging times.”

Despite thriving together in their new environment, Christine and Gemma had a different relationship growing up and weren’t always the closest of siblings. 

Christine said: “Funnily enough, growing up we were very different and never really that close. However, since journeying into care, we’ve become best friends and are inseparable.

"Much of that is due to us having similar values and placing others before ourselves.

"I was so proud of my sister when she originally made the decision to go into care and this motivated me to go out of my comfort zone and make the plunge too. It’s the best decision I ever made.” 

Previously the Reporter told how three of the facility's carers were reunited with their former schoolteacher.

Jamie Giles, 37, Diane Ferry, 46, and Natasha Maunder, 30 had their roles reversed as the trio now look after and care for their old secondary school teacer Irene Mowatt.

Read more: Three carers in Alexandria reunited with their 'influential' former teacher

Rishi Sodha, Handsale’s care director, said: “We’re constantly striving to promote and seek out individuals who might not be aware of the transferable skills they possess in a highly professional workforce.

"Christine and Gemma are perfect examples of this and are two people who have utilised their relationship as siblings to constantly improve and develop their skills.

"Care is at the heart of their affinity together and this is something that makes them stand out as carers. This is something we want others outside of care to seriously think about.

"With full training provided, you don’t need any experience, you just need a positive, can-do and, above all, caring attitude.”

For those interested in a career in care, Handsale’s latest job vacancies can be found here.

And for more information about Balquidder House watch their video on Vimeo.