Breaking Barriers: Jamie’s Journey as a Male Care Assistant

Despite the growing demand for compassionate and skilled care assistants, the care sector continues to face a gender imbalance, with men significantly underrepresented in frontline roles. Societal stereotypes, misconceptions about the nature of care work, and a lack of visible male role models often discourage men from entering the profession. Many still view care as a “female” vocation, overlooking the vital role men can play in providing emotional and physical support to those in need.

At All Care, our Care Assistant, Jamie is helping to challenge these perceptions. His journey into care began early, shaped by personal experience and a deep sense of responsibility. Caring for his great nan and grandad while juggling school and work taught him resilience and compassion, qualities that now define his approach as a professional care assistant.

What inspired you to join the care sector?
From a young age, I was caring for my great nan after school and before work while I was still at school. I balanced school, working in a garage, and caring for her until I was 15, and later I also cared for my grandad. My great nan used to say I was either going to end up a bin man or a care worker – and in a way she was right, because I’ve worked in waste and also in care. Those early experiences of supporting my family inspired me to choose a career in care, as I saw firsthand the difference compassion and support can make.

Jamie’s story highlights how early life experiences can shape a meaningful career in care, regardless of gender. But his path wasn’t without challenges.

What barriers have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest barriers was managing responsibility at a young age. Balancing school, work, and caring duties wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and patience.

By sharing his story, Jamie is helping to normalize the presence of men in care roles and inspire others to consider the profession. His work not only supports service users but also contributes to a more inclusive and diverse care environment.

What do you love most about your role?
What I love most is knowing that I can make a real difference to someone’s life each day. Supporting people, making them feel valued, and giving them dignity and comfort is incredibly rewarding. It feels good to know that the care I provide has a lasting impact, just like I experienced with my own family.

Campaigns like ‘Males in Care’ aim to spotlight stories like Jamie’s, showing that care work is not defined by gender, but by empathy, dedication, and the desire to make a difference. By breaking down barriers and challenging outdated perceptions, All Care is paving the way for a more balanced and representative workforce.

If you’re a male looking for a rewarding career, check out our Careers page for our latest vacancies.