Our deputy manager Lija Chackochan’s journey is a powerful example of what can be achieved through sheer determination, resilience and an unwavering work ethic, proving that success in any field, whether social care or beyond, is built on persistence and a willingness to keep moving forward.
Originally from Kerala in southern India, Lija began her career working in a hospital close to home after completing her nursing degree, but like many ambitious healthcare professionals, she looked beyond her immediate surroundings and set her sights on opportunities in the UK, knowing that it would require sacrifice, courage and an immense amount of effort to build a new life abroad.
In 2022, Lija arrived in the UK to join Court House Care Home as a senior care assistant, stepping into a completely new environment where not only the healthcare system but also communication styles, regulations and daily life were unfamiliar.
Within months she was joined by her husband and two children, making the transition both a professional and deeply personal journey as her family settled into a new country together.
The early days were far from easy, as Lija reflects on the challenges she faced adapting to a different culture, understanding complex policies and procedures, and building confidence in communication with residents and colleagues, all while preparing for the rigorous exams required to become a registered nurse in the UK.
Commenting, she said: “Whilst hard, my determination never wavered, even during the most difficult periods when I was studying tirelessly for months with very little sleep in order to pass my exams and which ultimately resulted in me achieving my Nursing and Midwifery Council registration on my first attempt.”
From there, Lija continued to grow, supported by mentors and colleagues who recognised her commitment and encouraged her development, progressing into a clinical lead role where she took on greater responsibility for overseeing care standards, audits and team coordination, demonstrating not only technical skill but also leadership rooted in empathy and collaboration.
What stands out most in Lija’s story is not just her professional advancement but the mindset behind it, as she speaks with pride about overcoming moments of doubt and difficulty, from missing her home country and family to navigating unfamiliar systems, all of which strengthened her confidence and reinforced her belief in the value of hard work.
Today, she describes Court House as her second home, where a supportive team culture plays a key role in both staff wellbeing and resident care, highlighting the importance of open communication, mutual respect and a shared commitment to doing the best for those they support.
Looking ahead, Lija hopes to continue developing within the organisation, with ambitions to undertake further leadership training and progress into more senior roles, driven by the same dedication that has defined her journey so far.
Her message to others considering a similar path is clear and honest, that success does not come easily and requires real effort, resilience and patience, but with strong willpower and the readiness to work hard, it is absolutely possible to achieve your goals, wherever you start from.
Lija’s story is a reminder that opportunity often begins with a decision to try, but it is sustained by the discipline to keep going, and in her case, that work ethic has transformed challenges into achievements and ambition into reality.
