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’ve spent more than 20 years in management across retail and hospitality. I joined Care UK after my little sister became a resident at The Willows. While visiting her, I loved the atmosphere here and the professionalism of the team.

As a Lifestyle Lead, it's important to be approachable, empathetic and a team player, and to have a positive attitude every day. You also need to be able to listen, learn and adapt to residents’ individual needs.

I love the feeling as soon as I arrive, knowing I can, in some small part through my and the team’s actions, put a smile on a resident’s face. Seeing smiles and hearing laughter makes me proud of what I do.

Outside of work, I’m a keen darts player for my local club. I also enjoy reading, cycling and supporting Liverpool FC!

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 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.