Our team at
Colne View

My career with Care UK started when my dog, Lady, was called in to become the Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog for Colne View.

It was during this time that I really got to know the residents and became involved with the activities within the home, subsequently joining the team as the Activities Coordinator for Colne View. I’ve since progressed in my career, becoming Customer Relations Manager, and more recently being promoted to Senior Customer Relations Manager.

Prior to joining Care UK, my background was mainly in the retail sector, although more recently I worked as a freelance photographer alongside my role as Activities Coordinator. I am therefore delighted that my role as Customer Relations Manager combines all these roles.

I’m passionate about supporting people living with dementia in my role. As well as championing dementia at Colne View, I am the chair of Halstead’s Dementia Alliance and part of making Halstead dementia friendly.

To carry out my role, you must be able to communicate well with people and have good listening skills. You need to have a clear understanding of the needs of residents to ensure they are happy and all their needs are met.

I’ve been part of the Care UK team since 2019. I was originally at Manor Lodge in Chelmsford but I moved over to join the Colne View team in January 2022.

Before joining Care UK I worked in the retail sector for 26 years. When I felt the need for a change, I was inspired by a friend who was working at Care UK who said it was a great place to work. I already had some experience in planning and organising events, so I thought I would apply for a lifestyle role, and here I am!

There are a lot of skills that come in handy in this role, including patience and positivity, being organised and creative. It’s helpful if you don’t take yourself too seriously too!

I love the mornings here. There’s a great sense of excitement about the day ahead, and I enjoy saying hello to the residents and my colleagues, and getting ready for the first activity. Some of the most popular activities we organise are the animal visits. We’ve had penguins and pygmy goats in the home. The look on everyone’s face was priceless when these little cuties showed up!

At Colne View, no two days are the same, and you never have a boring day. I joined Care UK because of the good career opportunities that were available, and starting at Colne View has been the highlight of my career so far.

My role involves interacting with residents, their family members and colleagues in the home. To do well in this role, you need to be willing to learn new things and have great customer service skills. I always feel fulfilled when I’m able to help my colleagues and the residents at Colne View.

When I’m not working, I enjoy reading a good book or going for a fishing session with my husband.

I joined Care UK because I wanted to get into the care industry. I love interacting with the residents every day and seeing them smile.

I was proud to be promoted to Head Housekeeper. In this role, it’s important to have good leadership and organisational skills. Hearing people say how clean and tidy the home is makes me proud of what I do.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, listening to music and cooking.

Before joining Care UK I worked at the local hospital in the complaints department. I previously worked in a customer service role and missed the interaction, so I was excited to join Colne View as Receptionist.

I love spending time with the residents, and I’m proud to help make a difference to others’ lives.

In this role, it’s important to be friendly, approachable, helpful and have good customer service skills. I love that no two days are the same.

When I’m not working, I enjoy volunteering at my local theatre.

This job demands a combination of things: understanding, and needing to comply with, certain regulations, the ability to bring a variety of skills and a desire to be helpful to other people. I used to be a police officer, so it’s a familiar mix for me!

I am happiest when I’m really busy, and there’s plenty here to keep me occupied here at Colne View. Care UK is very quality focused, and I work closely with any contractors who support us to ensure they understand the importance of doing a quality job for our customers. I’m also focused on continually improving the quality of life for residents here in any way I can. 

I’ve been working at Colne View since 2015. It’s my job to make sure that everyone feels loved. This mainly involves cuddling, visiting and greeting people, and then lying on my back having my tummy rubbed. As you can imagine, it’s pretty exhausting. 

I like to start the day with a tour of the home, making sure everyone’s happy and everything’s in place. I might inspect the chews that residents and families have brought me, and greet visitors as they arrive. Then there’ll be a bit of lying down and sleeping.

I like a lap. If I think I’m likely to get a cuddle, I’ll sit on your lap for ages. Colne View is quite a big home, and it’s important that I get around to as many residents as I can each day. I’ve worked out that, if I sit on the lap of a resident who uses a wheelchair, I can get around quickly and have a cuddle at the same time. Not just a pretty face, eh?!