I started working in the care sector as a general care assistant in 2004 after completion of a GNVQ 2&3. After developing new skills through both practical work and educational resources, I went on to become a senior care assistant for the elderly suffering with several different types of Dementia and other mental health illnesses. During my role, I completed several trainers courses in order to teach courses within the care sector including: ROSPA Safer People Handling, Alzheimers Society Courses – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow and Tomorrow is Another Day and also completed a course between the Alzheimers Society and the University of Worcester looking at the use of anti-psychotic medications, looking at the risks/benefits and reduction in these medications using meaningful and therapeutic activity. In 2008, I accepted the role of Unit Manager in which I Completed my NVQ Level 5 in Management & Leadership to develop my skills within the care sector.  

I started my role as Registered Manager at Christmas Lodge in November 2015 and in 2023 started to manage The Gravers alongside this. The teams at both Christmas Lodge and The Gravers show a strong passion in the care that they provide to our residents. Both, the recovery focus and person centred care in which we provide within Amitola Communities assists in a strong working professional team dedicated and highly committed to providing individual support & recovery programmes for people with complex and enduring mental health problems, in order to maintain independence, life skills and a feeling of self-worth and confidence. To work alongside our residents, achieving positive outcomes and positive impacts on their lives, makes Amitola Communities an excellent company to be a part of. We thrive on looking at the abilities of our residents and assisting them to utilise these to maximise independence and achieve the best possible life going forward. Amitola communities very much uses a ‘life is for living’ approach and this seems to reflect in the general well-being of the people that we support.