Our team at
Primrose House

Before joining the team here, I owned and ran a local café. As well as managing the day-to-day business, I focused on customer experience and forging community connections. 

I decided to change career after losing my grandma who was a huge part of my life. I saw first-hand how much she enjoyed our day trips, how they lifted her spirits and kept her mind active. I wanted to bring that same joy and purpose to others and becoming part of the team here at Primrose House seemed like the best way to do that. 

Since joining Care UK, I have completed training in safeguarding, health and safety, dementia awareness and care, infection control and person-centred care. I also take part in ongoing training focused on resident wellbeing. 

As lifestyle Lead, you need to have a welcoming personality, empathy and great listening skills. You also need a lot of energy and creativity to plan meaningful activities. Most importantly, it’s not about filling time. You need to genuinely care about keeping residents’ busy and active to benefit their physical and mental wellbeing. We are here to ensure a warm and welcoming environment with a real sense of community where residents feel valued and truly at home.

My favourite part of the day is during an activity when I get the chance to sit down and have a proper chat with residents over a cuppa. It always makes me feel proud when I see a resident trying something new, smiling or connecting with others during an event. Knowing that the days we plan lift their spirits and make a real difference is incredibly rewarding and is what makes this job so special. 

When I am not at work, I like to stay busy and explore National Trust sites and spending time outside in beautiful gardens and historic places. I also have a passion for baking, particularly making sourdough bread. 

I have a City and Guilds qualification in basic and advanced cookery and was previously a chef in another care home. I like making people feel happy through food and it’s important to me that everyone enjoys the meals we make. I particularly enjoy putting menus together and at mealtimes being able to present what we’ve worked hard to prepare.

To run a kitchen, you definitely need to be organised. There is a lot to do and planning is key – ensuring kitchen hygiene, ordering and preparing food, it’s not just about cooking. 

Outside of work I am a big sports fan and support lots of different teams. 

I have a degree in business and a master’s in human resource management; my last role was as a talent acquisition officer at Humberside Police. I chose to join Care UK because I wanted a new career that suited my skills. Moving away from HR was a big step but it has been such a career highlight and incredibly rewarding.  

I love my new role and get so much joy from helping residents and their families. Every day is different and I enjoy the variety – from showing people around Primrose House to helping them with paperwork when they decide to move in. 

As a business administrator you need to be friendly and personable as building rapport with colleagues, residents and their families is essential. You also need to have strong communication and customer service skills. I think having a sense of humour is important too. 

I feel proud to be part of the brilliant team here and we are like an extended family. Primrose House has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and we’re all here to support residents and ensure they live fulfilling lives. 

Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog. I also like to spend time with friends and family relaxing, socialising and visiting the pub for some downtime.