Our team at
Whitebourne

Before becoming deputy manager, I was a senior team leader. I am also a dementia coach and nutrition champion; I have also had training in social health care.

I chose to join Care UK because it has a strong reputation for providing high-quality, person-centred care. I was particularly drawn to Care UK’s focus on dignity, independence, and treating every resident as an individual. I wanted to be part of a team where my contribution would make a genuine and positive difference.

In my current role, it is important to be a strong leader and be organised. I need to be able to support teams, juggle timetables and ensure that we maintain high standards of care. Good communication skills are essential too as I work closely with other colleagues, residents and their families.

It is also important not to lose sight of compassion and empathy – two aspects which are vital to what we do. Any managerial role also needs you to be confident about making decisions and staying calm in unexpected situations.

The fundamental part of my role is to ensure that residents receive safe, high-quality care. Everything we do here links back to making sure every resident is treated with respect.

My favourite part of the day is when I feel I’m making a difference, whether that’s supporting a colleague, resident or solving a tricky problem. These moments give me a sense of purpose and remind me why I love what I do.

Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family and I enjoy travelling and experiencing new places and cultures. I also love to cook and hosting events and gatherings – I find it incredibly rewarding bringing people together. In my younger days, I was a keen dancer, and I still enjoy music and dancing as a way to relax and express myself.

Before progressing to head chef, I was second chef, so I have lots of experience in a busy kitchen. I joined Care UK because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and work in a supportive and friendly environment.

As head chef, you need to have strong leadership skills and be able to handle the pressure of a busy kitchen. You also need to maintain exceptionally high food standards and be creative about recipes.

For me, the best part of the day is the time I get to spend creating new recipes and seeing residents happy with the food we make. Being able to transform simple ingredients into delicious meals and successfully managing a team makes me really proud.

Outside of work, I love visiting new places and of course, trying new types of food.

I used to work in the community as a care assistant, but applied to join Whitebourne because I fancied a change and I wanted to work in a care home. I joined the home in 2017. 

I help to plan and organise activities such as Revitalyz exercise classes, arts and crafts, film afternoons and pamper sessions. Residents always have something to look forward to each day. Recently we’ve had visits from the donkeys, rabbits and guinea pigs from a local farm!

I love seeing residents smiling and laughing as a result of the activities we do with them. And I – like the rest of the team – was very pleased when we recently gained a ‘good’ rating from the CQC. The CQC inspector specifically mentioned in their report about how we provide residents with a multitude of activities to take part in, and they praised us for the innovative ways we make residents’ wishes come true. I was very proud to read that!

Just before my second birthday, I joined Whitebourne as Canine Relations Manager. A very important role at the home, which involves greeting visitors and making residents feel welcome.

I am very well behaved, both on and off the lead, and I love getting the chance to hang out with other dogs, especially when I can out run them!

I enjoy working at the home as I don't like being left on my own and love knowing there are people around to play and cuddle with. I spend a lot of time in care homes, mostly having strokes and being fed sneaky treats!