Our team at
The Willows

Before joining The Willows, I was working as a concourse supervisor at Middlesborough Football Club. I joined Care UK after Covid hit because I was out of work and wanted a change.

The most important part of my role is entertaining the residents. As a Lifestyle Coordinator, you also need to be friendly, patient and honest and have a happy-go-lucky attitude.

My favourite part of the working day is taking part in activities with the residents. Seeing the smiles on their faces is priceless. Becoming a Lifestyle Coordinator has been a total career change, but now, seeing the residents be happy and enjoying activities is a huge highlight and makes me proud of what I do.

When I’m not working, I like socialising with friends and spending time with my family.

I have always enjoyed making people's lives better and more fulfilling, and I saw working at Care UK as the perfect opportunity to continue doing that. I joined Care UK as a Kitchen Assistant, but I started picking up shifts in the activities team when there were vacancies, and I found I have a real passion for it. Being accepted to the role of Lifestyle Coordinator was my biggest career highlight.

In this role, you need to be joyful, energetic and have a happy-go-lucky attitude. I love to make the residents smile and laugh every day, and making sure they have fun in every activity is the most important part of my role. I’m proud that I am making a difference. Seeing their smiles and their eyes light up makes me realise that my activities help them immensely.

Outside of work, I love going to restaurants and eating out.

I joined The Willows because I’d heard Care UK was a good care provider to work for, and I was ready to progress in my career to a role in a leadership position. Before becoming Lifestyle Lead at The Willows, I worked as an Activities Coordinator and Carer.

In my role, it’s important to have an outgoing personality and be willing to work to the best of your ability every day. It's impossible to choose a favourite part of my working day – I enjoy everything, from the start to the end of my shift. I take pride in my team and of working for an organisation like Care UK where we’re helping residents live fulfilling lives every day.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy socialising and going for walks.

I was working as a Senior Care Assistant before being promoted to Unit Manager, and moving into this role has been the highlight of my career to date.

As Unit Manager, you need to be empathetic, a good listener and have strong leadership skills. I believe leading my team of care colleagues and making them feel appreciated is the most important part of my role.

I’m proud that families are happy to leave their loved ones with us, knowing that they will be well cared for. When I reach the end of the day and know I’ve given 100% and made a difference to residents’ lives, that’s my favourite feeling.

Outside of work, I love reading and spending time with my grandchildren.

I started working at The Willows in 2002 as a cleaner/laundry assistant. At the time, it was a newly built home and a good opportunity for an 18 year old. I then worked as a Care Assistant before going back to college to gain qualifications so I could go to university in 2011 to do my nurse training. Once qualified, I worked as a Nurse on the dementia suite until I was promoted to the position of Unit Manager in 2018.

In this role, you need to be passionate, caring, flexible and approachable. It’s also important to be a good problem-solver and have good listening and effective communication skills. The most important part of what I do is enabling my colleagues to be the best they can be.

Empowering residents to live their best life and providing them with quality care is my favourite part of my day. I feel proud whenever I see the residents laughing and smiling.

When I’m not working, I enjoy taking family holidays, going to concerts and gaming.

I’m a Registered General Nurse, and I believe the most important part of my role as Unit Manager is to give the best I can every day. In this role, professionalism and devotion are key. You also need to have good knowledge of your role and enjoy what you do.

I love supporting the residents at The Willows. Being a Unit Manager here and supporting my team are my biggest career highlights. I’m proud to make a difference in residents’ lives every day.

Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies, and I love antiques.

I spent 34 years in accounts setting and became a part qualified accountant before more recently working as a Store Manager with NECS. I decided to join Care UK and return to my accounts background as I thought this was a role I could excel in.

As a Business Administrator, an accounting or business admin background is a must as this job entails a lot. You need to have an ability to multitask and to be the first port of call at the home. I am the first face you see at The Willows, so problem solving and assisting is an important part of that first impression.

Every day here is different, but my favourite part of each day is when residents’ family members walk out of the home feeling happy. When I’ve completed all tasks to the best of my ability and all the residents and colleagues are happy, I feel fulfilled in my role.

Outside of work, I partake in family research and organise and make family trees. I love theatre shows too.

I joined Care UK because I was looking for a job within the care sector that also utilised the qualifications I had in business management, which I’d worked hard to achieve.

As Business Administrator, I do various jobs that are massively important to the home. You need to be approachable, compassionate and reliable to do this role well, and the most important part of this job is building relationships with residents and their families.

I enjoy getting to talk with residents and families. Knowing I’ve helped reassure them or brought a smile to their face makes me feel my job is worthwhile. Helping a family member move into a home is daunting, and it's our job to make sure the process runs smoothly and that they have all information they need, as well as support with any enquiries. Knowing that people feel they can approach me and trust that things will be done when they come to me is something I’m proud of.

I have two small daughters, so all my interests outside of work revolve around them. We always have dancing and gymnastics classes to attend! My family is the most important thing to me, so family time – regardless of what we’re doing – is my hobby.

I have been a chef for 15 years, working across many different roles and environments. I joined Care UK because I was looking for a job that rewards others as well as myself.

In this role you need grit, self-motivation and determination, and it’s also important to be a quick thinker and a happy and cheerful person.

I enjoy every aspect of my job. Working in care is still new to me, and I’m proud to help others and see residents enjoy the food I cook. It’s important in my role as Head Chef to ensure we are working efficiently in my team and making sure everyone is safe and correct.

When I’m not working, I enjoy anything outdoors. I’m a keen birdwatcher, and I also like martial arts and playing the guitar.

I started working at The Willows in 2003 for a change in career after working in a clothing factory for 22 years. In 2007, I was promoted to Head Housekeeper.

In this role, you need to be a good leader to manage the team and ensure tasks are carried out to a high standard.

Seeing that the residents are happy and chatting with them, as well as ensuring their rooms are just how they like them, are the most important parts of my role. In fact, interacting with residents and their families is my favourite part of my day. I love to join in when entertainers come to visit the home too!

Knowing my team is happy working to high standards and receiving good feedback from residents and their families makes me proud of what I do.

Before joining The Willows, I was working as a plumbing and heating engineer. I was keen to join Care UK because it is a fantastic and reputable care provider.

In a maintenance role, you need patience and understanding, and a good knowledge of repairs and health and safety. It’s my role to make sure all tasks and safety checks are carried out and the home is always safe.

My favourite part of this role is to speak to residents and their families. I was very proud to win Maintenance Person of the Year for the work I do.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors mountain biking and hiking.