Not all foster journeys begin the same way. For Majella, her path began in the heart of her local community – volunteering, advocating, and standing up for families long before she ever became a social worker.
Her story is a reminder that behind every role in foster care – from carers to social workers to link workers – there’s a shared foundation: compassion and connection.
“The skills in becoming a social worker came down to my community involvement.
For Majella, it was never just about policy or paperwork. Her skills came from people – being part of her community, staying engaged, and understanding the pressures families face, especially in rural areas and areas of high social deprivation.
When she joined the health service, her focus was clear: children and families. And through years of experience, including a time spent overseas in Gibraltar, she carved a path that eventually led her to Origins Foster Care, where the work became even more meaningful and rooted in her own community.
After years working in child protection, Majella now brings her deep understanding of trauma, attachment, and need to her role with Origins. Instead of focusing solely on the entry point into care, she now works directly with children who are already in care and the carers who support them.
That shift matters. It means Majella isn’t just helping children find safety, she’s helping them heal, grow, and flourish in safe, supportive foster homes.
At Origins, we believe every voice in foster care makes a difference. In fact, that's why we launched our new podcast this month, Voices – The Origins Foster Care Podcast to share real experiences from across the fostering community. That same spirit is reflected in Majella’s story – her journey from community volunteer to senior social work practitioner shows how deep care, consistency, and local connection can change lives.
If you’ve ever found yourself involved in your community, wondered how you could help a child, or simply felt called to do something that matters – this could be your next step. Here's what you can do next:
Reach out for any questions and enquiries. A member of our fostering team will get back to you as soon as possible.
