Our team at
Meadow Croft

Being promoted to Deputy Manager meant such a lot to me; the day I got the news was the best day ever!

In this role, you need to have good leadership skills, be an effective communicator and be kind and compassionate. For me, the most important aspects of my job are making a genuine difference to residents’ lives and supporting colleagues. It is a role I feel really proud of, there is a real sense of achievement seeing the day-to-day benefits of the care we provide.

I couldn’t pin down my favourite part of the day; I love all of it from the moment I get to work. If I had to choose, I would say I enjoy interacting with people the most, both residents and colleagues.

When I am not at work, I spend my time with family and friends. I also enjoy reading and going to the gym.

I have also had training in dementia awareness, safeguarding adults and first aid.

In my role, you need to be bubbly and positive. Being enthusiastic, friendly and creative are also important too. You basically have to be an upbeat person that sees the bright side. But I also think you need to be compassionate and understanding, people need to feel seen and valued, so kindness and empathy are deeply important too.

I spend a lot of time with residents, and it is my favourite part of the day. I enjoy seeing them happy and engaged in the activities that have been planned. I once went on BBC Lancashire to talk about a special wish we were making come true and it is these moments, that make the job so rewarding. Seeing the generosity of other people and being in a position to make someone’s dream a reality. I always feel very proud watching residents live rich and meaningful lives.

In my spare time, I enjoy crafting and organising events for family and friends.

In my current role, you need to have a high level of culinary expertise. Working in a care environment also means you also need clinical and regulatory awareness, as well as deep empathy.

Being able to balance nutritional needs with creating meals that residents enjoy is the most important part of what I do. Every meal should be savoured and enjoyed so we work hard to learn what each resident likes and dislikes.

It is no surprise that mealtimes are my favourite parts of the day. It’s when I get a chance to speak to residents and get their thoughts and feedback.

When I am not at work, I enjoy socialising and taking my boat out on journeys.

A big part of that is being professional and being able to quickly and effectively solve issues that crop up. It is one of the reasons why I enjoy mornings the most, because you can plan the day ahead and tackle each challenge.

Before joining the team here, I was an assistant in the Court of Protection. I have lots of office experience and worked in a different care home previously. In this role, you need to be calm and have patience. You also need the ability to listen and have empathy.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling and reading books. Collectibles and antiques are another hobby of mine, as is horse racing.

I think every aspect of my role is important so I couldn’t pick one, but I do feel proud knowing that I am able to help residents. Seeing the positive difference we make in people’s lives is rewarding and a privilege.

As Unit Manager, you need to be patient. You also need to have empathy and be understanding. Day-to-day, I really enjoy getting to know residents, having a chat and finding out more about them is always a highlight for me.

In my free time, I like to read, cook and go travelling when I can.

I was also a voiceover artist for a software company which was fun.

As one of the first faces visitors see when they come to Meadow Croft, it is important to be friendly and approachable. A big smile and good manners go a long way to making people feel welcome and comfortable.

I enjoy helping others and being able to help solve problems for both residents and colleagues. Being known as the ‘tech wizard’ is lovely – all because I was able to help connect colleagues with various HR apps we use. It is a very positive home and we all support each other.

My favourite part of the day is being able to interact with residents and their families, it always feels good to learn more about them. It is important to me to be able to make time for people and help make them feel happy and valued.

Outside of work, I am particularly interested in languages. I also enjoy travelling, water sports and spending time with family and friends.

I was previously in the Royal Navy and served on HMS Somerset patrolling the Falklands. I was a Housekeeper for an NHS hospital and also ran two hotels in Blackpool for over ten years.

In this role, you need to have a sharp eye for detail and be a team player. You have to be compassionate and caring too. Being a good listener is another skill you need, as is dedication to the job in hand.

The most important part of what I do is infection control. Alongside that, making sure Meadow Croft is safe, clean and inviting. It is a job I feel proud of, knowing I am working to the very best of my ability and creating a welcoming space for residents and colleagues. I also enjoy getting to know residents and stopping for a chat when I can.

When I am not working, I like to socialise with family and friends, go on holiday and on walks. I also like to read.

I have also completed several courses to extend and refresh my knowledge, including first aid, health and safety and site management.

In this role, I think you need to be forward thinking and look for new solutions. You also need to be patient and be good at communicating. One of the really rewarding parts of the job is seeing the impact of your work on a daily basis. It means a lot to me, knowing that residents feel safe and secure here. There is also nothing more satisfying than knowing a job’s been done well.

Outside of work I enjoy playing golf and socialising. I also enjoy parachuting.