"Being a young mum myself has really shaped my career and given me a passion for helping parents develop their confidence and self-belief during those crucial early years."
For Shelley Williams, supporting children and families has always been more than a job. It's a passion that has shaped her entire career.
Shelley has worked for Cheshire and Wirral Partnership’s (CWP) Starting Well 0-19 Service since 2015, but her health visiting journey began many years before that.
"I've always worked with children and families," she explains. "When I was younger, I worked in a nursery and then went on to train as a children's nurse."
After qualifying as a nurse in 2010, Shelley joined Warrington Hospital, working in the children's A&E department. While she enjoyed the role, she knew her future lay elsewhere.
"It was always my passion to become a health visitor and work in the community rather than on the wards," she says.
Following a year at Warrington Hospital, Shelley took the opportunity to work with a school nursing team before progressing into health visiting. Today, she can’t imagine doing anything else.
"It's the most rewarding job," says Shelley. "You can really make a difference to people’s lives. When you think about a child's development and the impact of early intervention during pregnancy and the first years of life, health visitors are central to helping children get the best possible start in life."
Health visitors build trusted relationships with families, often supporting them through some of the most important moments in their lives. For Shelley, that opportunity to make a genuine difference is what makes the role so special.
"I don't think people always understand the impact health visitors can have," she says. "The therapeutic relationships you build can leave a lasting imprint on families."
Her own experiences have also shaped her approach to the role. Shelley became a mother at a young age and believes that perspective helps her connect with many of the families she supports.
"I was a young mum myself, and I think that has driven my career in some ways," she says. "It’s definitely given me a real passion for supporting younger mums."
Outside of work, Shelley is equally passionate about maintaining her own wellbeing. Like many NHS professionals, achieving a healthy work-life balance hasn’t always been easy, but she says the support available within CWP's Starting Well 0-19 Service has made a real difference.
"We spend so much time focusing on the health and wellbeing of families, but it's important that we look after ourselves too," she says.
As a mum of two sons, family remains firmly at the heart of Shelley's life and career.
Working a nine-day fortnight has helped her make more time for family, friends and personal wellbeing. Recently, she’s discovered a love for fitness and reformer Pilates.
"I'm really trying to focus on my own health and wellbeing," she says. "I joined a local fitness group and I absolutely love it. And being able to spend quality time with family and friends really helps me recharge."
Looking back, Shelley has no doubts about the path she chose.
"Health visiting is such an amazing job," she says. "It's incredibly rewarding and I'm so glad I chose this career. If you're thinking about a career in health visiting, I'd absolutely say go for it."
