Our team at
Kentford Manor

My role is to meet prospective residents and their families. When I first meet people, it’s usually to gather information and to find out how we can help and support them with any issues they are facing.

I am really passionate about what I do. It makes me proud to know we care for others and can help change lives for the better.

As a customer relations manager, it is really important to have good communication skills. You also need to have empathy, be understanding, and actually listen to what people are saying to you. Being able to work as part of a team is also essential, as is good time management.

I like to spend my spare time with my lovely miniature dachshund. When I get the chance, I like to travel too.

Before joining Kentford Manor, I was a child safeguarding officer. I chose to join Care UK because the organisation is well-known for its person-centred care, and I wanted to make a real difference to residents.

In my role, you need to have strong communication skills, patience and empathy. It helps to be creative too as you need to set up activities that people will take part in and engage with. It is important to be mindful that residents have different needs as well as their own likes and dislikes. Being flexible helps with that as it means you can tailor activities to suit. I always believe that residents should feel valued, supported and engaged.

My favourite part of the day is always the time I get to spend with residents during activities. It is so rewarding seeing them smile and getting that sense of connection and joy.

For me, my biggest career highlight is being able to create a positive and meaningful environment for residents. I like to make sure that every day is fulfilling and enjoyable. We are in a privileged position where we can make a lasting, positive difference in residents’ lives. It's the small, everyday moments that create a big impact. It makes me feel really proud of what we all do here.

Outside of work, I take part in martial arts. I also enjoy spending time exploring nature as it helps me recharge. I’ve also been experimenting with my new photography hobby.

I have level three qualifications in catering and food hygiene, as well as years of practical experience working in kitchens.

To be head chef, you need to have experienced all aspects of the role so that you can offer guidance and help your team. It is fantastic to see food being prepared well by people you’ve supported, knowing that they are using skills and knowledge you’ve passed on.

I am so proud of the brilliant team here at Kentford Manor. Our aim is to make great food and respect the ingredients we use. I love it when we host special events. On these occasions, we get to have fun with food and show off skills people don’t see from us every day.

When I am not at work, you’ll probably find me fishing.

I joined Care UK ten years ago as a registered nurse, but I have over 20 years nursing experience. I love my role here and I can honestly say that deciding to work for Care UK was the best decision I have made. Working here has been the most positive time in my career.

Compassion and empathy are two essential qualities you need in this role. To create positive outcomes, you also need to be supportive to everyone – residents, their families and colleagues.

Residents safety and wellbeing is my priority. I want to make a positive difference in their lives, providing person-centred care so that their stay is enjoyable and comfortable. When we get a smile or thumbs up, we know we’ve achieved this.

Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym and staying healthy. I also love listening to music, watching films and keeping in touch with my family.

Prior to joining the care industry I was working in financial services. However, in 2007 I reached a crossroad in my life where I felt it was time to make a difference - I wanted a career that was meaningful. So in 2007 I started as an Activities Coordinator in a care home. Over the next few years I transitioned into administration and dementia care. I joined the home in 2017 as the Home Administrator. I am proud to work for one of the best care homes in the Suffolk. The most rewarding part of my day to day job is interacting with the residents and their families, a simple 'thank you' really goes a long way!

During my career so far I have had many different experiences, from office work to retail - I even owned and ran my own pub! I then came to a time in my life when I wanted a change, so I decided to head into housekeeping in a care home. This was a big, but positive, change for me and I have been in housekeeping ever since. I love how every day is different working at the home, and I really feel like I make a difference to the residents who we support.

Working at Kentford Manor as a receptionist is a complete change for me, but it uses the same skills I gained in my last role which was customer service based.

As the first point of contact for relatives and visitors, it is important to be friendly and approachable; you also need to be a good listener. Working in a care home also means you have to be compassionate and understanding.

I love meeting new people so being able to get to know residents has been a real highlight for me. I like being helpful, so it is especially rewarding to get compliments and positive feedback from residents, their families and colleagues.

Outside of work I enjoy walking, cooking and watching rugby.

I have previously worked at Kentford Manor as a Maintenance Assistant. After 16 months, I was asked to return to take over the Coordinator role, and I was delighted to do so.

I enjoy working every day at Kentford Manor – it's always an adventure! In this role, you need to have good knowledge, as well as patience, kindness, communication skills, and understanding of the residents. I’m proud to keep the home in the best shape possible and to help residents and colleagues. I believe the most important part of my role is putting a smile on their faces.

I have a boat on the Norfolk Broads, and when I’m not working it’s my go-to place to relax.