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.

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!

I have been a registered nurse, with a first-class degree in Mental Health Nursing, for a couple of years, and I have experience working in various acute settings supporting people with functional mental health disorders and diagnoses of dementia.

Before my degree, I worked as a Care Assistant for Care UK and then trained as a Senior Care Assistant whilst studying for my nursing qualification. I enjoy working in the care home environment, and I believe Care UK prioritises putting each person at the heart of their care.

In my role as Clinical Deputy Manager, it’s important for me to be able to demonstrate compassion and kindness, think outside the box and have a good sense of humour!

My favourite part of the day is coming out of the office and spending one-to-one time with residents and their friends and families. Whilst administration and management are important aspects of my role, I am always keen to get to know everyone on an individual basis.

I want people to feel safe and valued when they come into our care, and I believe this is the most important part of my role. Whether that be through personalising residents’ environment or tailoring leisure activities to their hobbies and preferences, the priority is to ensure that everyone feels at home.

The team spirit here at Kentford Manor and the shared value of going above and beyond for every one of our residents make me proud. Each day provides new challenges, but the compassion and motivation remain consistent within the home.

I’m a proud mum, so when I’m not at work my daughter keeps me very busy! I also grow my own fruit and vegetables. I recently acquired an allotment for extra space. I thoroughly enjoy going on long walks with my dog too, and keeping active in general.

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.

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.