Today (Sunday, 8th March 2026) is International Women’s Day – a global celebration of women’s achievements, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of inequality and champion inclusion.
At Seashell we’re proud to recognise the incredible women who make a difference every day. Our Residential Support Workers play a vital role in supporting children and young people with complex needs — building relationships, encouraging independence and helping individuals to thrive.
This year, we spoke to Residential Support Worker Thureya Ali Yusuf, who moved from Kenya to the UK in 2023 to join Seashell. Here is her story, as told by her.
Tell us about finding this job at Seashell.
I moved over from Kenya having previously worked in a school. I was a primary school teacher and the school had a unit for children with disabilities. I had good training in that school and working with those children… they just felt like my own children. I just really wanted the best for them.
Seeing a difference in their lives was so rewarding and it had a big impact on me. I knew then that I would like to do that type of work for my whole life.
I knew I needed a change, so I wanted to go somewhere completely new but still do something I was very passionate about. I found an agency recruiting for jobs in the UK, so I applied and just went for it. After lots of paperwork, medicals and sorting the visa, it was soon time to fly.
I landed on a Thursday, visited Seashell on the Friday, and by Monday I had started my induction. The agency was really supportive and placed us within walking distance of Seashell. I remember meeting Debbie and other members of staff — everyone was so welcoming.
I thought I was prepared for a new culture and the cold weather, but moving from Kenya to the UK in November was still a big adjustment.
My daughter joined me later, once I had found a house and arranged her visa. We’re now both really settled here. My daughter is happy, and when I work with the young people at Seashell, I feel incredibly proud. It’s life-changing work — and I love that.
What is your favourite part of the job?
When we have activities off-site, I love seeing the young people enjoying themselves. It’s wonderful that they have these opportunities at Seashell.
We can take them swimming or to a café – simple things, but they mean so much. Seeing them doing something they love and being part of the community is really special.
What has been your proudest moment at Seashell?
When I was working with some third-year students, there was a young adult I supported who had some behaviour challenges. At first, he didn’t accept me.
But when he did, it was incredible. He began to trust me and always wanted to work with me. Other staff said it usually took him a long time to build that kind of connection, so it meant a lot.
There was also another young adult I supported who didn’t want to get out of bed one day. He used his communication device to say he didn’t want to go to college. I gently asked him to talk to me – and that was the first time he opened up.
He explained he didn’t enjoy his work experience in gardening and wanted an office role instead. I contacted his teacher, and Seashell arranged a different placement for him. He was so much happier.
After that, he became more confident and engaged. He has since graduated and now works at Seashell. Seeing that journey – and knowing I played a small part in it – was incredibly rewarding.
What would you tell people about Seashell?
I love Seashell. It has been so good to me.
The staff are supportive and welcoming — you feel like you belong. If you have a problem, you can always speak to someone. You feel valued and appreciated here.
Moving to a new country isn’t easy, but once I settled, I knew this was the right place for me. I remember thinking, “This is where I’m meant to be.”
Even though I had experience working with children in Kenya, this role is different — but I’ve had great mentors and supportive managers who have helped me every step of the way.
They’ve made me feel like this is where I’m supposed to be.
Residential Support Workers are at the heart of what we do — supporting children and young people with complex learning disabilities, autism and additional needs to live full and meaningful lives.
If you’re interested in a rewarding career working with our young people, we’d love to hear from you.
