For Chris Woods, a career working in children's homes was never part of the plan. More than 26 years later, however, Chris can't imagine a more rewarding profession.
Having spent the majority of those years working in our children's homes, Chris has progressed from Childcare Officer to Children's Home Manager, gaining invaluable experience and helping to shape the lives of countless young people along the way.
Chris's dedication to supporting children and families has recently been recognised at the highest level. Earlier this year, Chris was invited to attend the King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, a prestigious honour recognising outstanding service and commitment to communities.
The invitation celebrated not only Chris's long-standing career in children's residential care, but the lasting difference Chris continues to make to the lives of children, young people and families across North Tyneside.
Chris first joined the service at Wellington Avenue in Whitley Bay with little experience of residential childcare.
"I began working as a childcare officer with little experience of the service, and I'm really thankful to the managers at the time for recognising my potential from a hopeful application," Chris said.
Since then, Chris describes the journey as a "rollercoaster" – one filled with challenges, achievements and unforgettable moments.
"Like most people who work in children's homes for any length of time, it's been a rollercoaster of a ride and never a dull moment. Along the way I've met friends, colleagues and, most importantly, children who have inspired, encouraged and supported me at every turn."
While becoming a manager was never a career ambition when leaving school, it has led Chris into a profession that offers variety, purpose and the chance to make a genuine difference every day.
"There's never two days the same," Chris explained. "I've experienced incredible highs, the occasional low, but it's a career that continually challenges and rewards you."
One of the aspects Chris values most is the strong sense of teamwork that exists within North Tyneside's residential services.
"I have always felt that we work genuinely as a team and have seen people go above and beyond to support their colleagues and the children they work with in ways people would not believe in other walks of life."
Over the years, Chris has been able to progress through the service and now leads teams working at the heart of the communities that mean so much personally.
"I've been really lucky to have had the opportunity to progress through the service, manage these teams and work in homes that are in the heart of the community I grew up in."
Like any caring profession, there have been difficult periods, but Chris says support from colleagues has always been there when needed.
"There have been times where it has been incredibly hard work and I have questioned what I am doing, but I have never felt on my own or unsupported, and there has always been another high not far away."
Alongside the challenges come the moments that make the role so special.
"Most days there are moments with both workers and the children we care for that make you cry laughing – genuinely warm, funny and sometimes bizarre moments and a camaraderie you wouldn't find anywhere else."
As Children's Homes Fortnight celebrates the vital role residential care plays in supporting young people, Chris is keen to encourage others to consider a career in the sector.
"Working in a children's home isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to make a real, lasting impact on the lives of young people who need support the most.
"Every day brings the chance to be a positive role model, listen to and champion young people's voices, help build confidence and resilience, and create a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive."
Across the region, children's homes are recruiting people who are compassionate, resilient and committed to supporting young people to achieve their potential.
For Chris, the reason to join is simple.
"At the end of the day, shift, week or year, you can go home knowing you have made a difference to children who quite literally do not have a home to go to, other than the one it's down to you to help shape for them."
The impact of that support can last a lifetime.
If you're compassionate, resilient and ready to make a real difference, a career in residential childcare could be for you.