From India to Northern Ireland: Joshua’s inspiring journey of dedication to social care

Joshua Naveen Chander
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Meet Joshua Naveen Chander who made the journey from his home country in India to start a career working in social care in Northern Ireland.

Joshua is just one of the thousands of overseas staff who work in social care to provide excellent care to people who need social care and support all year round, whilst sharing their international expertise. He's sharing his inspirational story to help celebrate and value the diversity of social care which supports people in local communities during the winter months.

Joshua, who is employed by Positive Futures, has shared why he decided to work in social care and how it has helped him to settle into living in Northern Ireland, as well as his hopes for opportunities to learn and develop In his career.

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Joshua’s journey to becoming a social care worker in Northern Ireland is one of resilience, faith, and a desire to make a difference. Joshua who is a trained social worker in his home country – India – with his family’s support and his belief in a higher calling, ventured to a new country to pursue his passion for helping others.

Joshua’s decision to move to Northern Ireland was rooted in what he describes as “a nudge of the heart.” Despite the challenges of relocating, including navigating new systems and leaving behind a stable job, Joshua embraced the move, drawn by the opportunity to provide better opportunities for his family and to continue his work in social care.

Currently working as a support worker with Positive Futures, Joshua’s role involves supporting adults with a learning disability to achieve as much independence as possible. Whether it’s managing their own finances, guiding them through daily activities, or supporting them in part-time jobs, Joshua’s work is defined by compassion and commitment.

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He explains, “I see my role as making their moments cherishable. I can’t change their lives entirely, but I can help them create wonderful moments for themselves. Building rapport with each individual I support and gaining their trust brings me happiness and adds value to my position. This is a constant process that requires patience, attention and effort.”

This philosophy reflects the heart of Joshua’s work, whether it involves helping someone manage their medication or simply being a voice of encouragement.

Joshua’s journey has not been without its difficulties. Adapting to life in Northern Ireland came with mixed experiences. Whilst he was welcomed by many kind and supportive people, he also faced moments of exploitation and unfamiliarity with local processes.

Yet, Joshua chooses to focus on the positives. “I believe this is a good place, and I focus on the good things,” he said, emphasising how these challenges have helped him grow wiser and stronger.

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One of the most significant hurdles has been the separation from his family. His wife and children remain in India. Despite this, Joshua remains optimistic, confident that he made the right choice to come to Northern Ireland and work in social care.

Joshua attributes his success in social care to his belief in the power of service. “The more you help others, the more happiness you receive,” he says. His dedication to serving others stems from personal experiences of overcoming hardship and being on the receiving end of help when he needed it most. Now, he channels this gratitude into his work, creating meaningful connections with the people he supports.

Although Joshua is currently focused on his role as a support worker, he has not ruled out transitioning to a social worker role in the future. “Whether it is social care or social work, my heart remains the same. I want to work for someone who needs help,” he says. For now, he remains dedicated to his work, committed to making a difference in the lives of those he supports.

Joshua’s journey not only highlights the great contribution international workers make to health and social care services, but also underscores the profound impact one person can have on the lives of others.

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As he continues his work, Joshua encourages others to consider a career in social care. “No matter where you are, you can help,” he says. For those looking for a fulfilling path, Joshua’s story is a testament to the power of following your heart and making a difference – one person at a time.

His story is part of the ‘Social care – Making a difference’ campaign run by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) on behalf of the Social Care Collaborative Forum, a Department of Health (DoH) partnership across the social care sector in Northern Ireland.

Declan McAllister, Interim Chief Executive, Social Care Council, highlighted the importance of social care practitioners who have come from overseas: “Celebrating the diversity of each person who works in social care is something we all need to do. This includes social care practitioners who are from overseas, like Joshua. Many overcome obstacles such as cultural changes or social barriers, to become an invaluable part of our health and social care system.”

Agnes Lunny, CEO, Positive Futures, encourages anyone from overseas and living in Northern Ireland to consider social care as a career of choice.

“As an employer in the social care sector, I have seen at first hand the value that international workers have brought to our organisation. In addition to their skills and experience, our international workers bring language skills, cultural diversity, resilience and more to the lives of the people they support. Their dedication and determination to give of their best really shines through.”

If you want to find out more about how you can make a difference to lives with a career in social care, check out the campaign page.

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