Our team at
Waterhouse Manor

In this role, you need to be creative, imaginative, patient and understanding. You also need a thick skin. Not everyone will enjoy every activity or entertainment you plan, and you need to be able to take positive and negative feedback. A good lifestyle lead should be bubbly and energetic, but also compassionate and trustworthy. I would also say that a smile goes a long way.

There are so many magical moments that happen every day and these can take you by surprise. What I love most about my role is delivering an activity and seeing the happiness it brings, the engagement and the smiles.

It always makes me proud to see a positive difference in the wellbeing of our residents. There are days when you wish you could have achieved more but just knowing that I have helped one person makes it a good day.

I genuinely love my job and a big highlight for me is being able to fulfil residents’ wishes. It is always an honour to make wishes come true and see the joy it brings. The most incredible wish we made happen was taking a resident to fly a plane across the Norfolk coastline. It was something she always wanted to do, so making it a reality was very special.

An important part of my role is gaining trust, especially if someone has been feeling isolated or vulnerable before moving to Waterhouse Manor. When a resident comes to me for support because they feel comfortable in my company, that tells me I am doing something right.

In my spare time, I enjoy running and hiking. Give me a mountain to climb or a medal to run for, and I’ll be happy. I also love animals and wildlife, so I enjoy days out with my family and dogs.

It has given me a real understanding of all the different sides of care and how important each one is in making a home feel really special.

I was a Senior Carer here previously, so I know residents and colleagues well. Having a good relationship with people already has definitely helped; I’ve been able to bring that experience and knowledge with me to my current role.

As Business Administrator, you need to be welcoming and easy to talk to. Organisation is a must too – there is always plenty going on so you need to keep on top of everything.

I would say that the most important aspects of my role are organisation and communication. They are at the heart of keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring that residents, their families and colleagues feel supported and informed.

Outside of work, my lovely family keeps me busy and takes up most of my time (and I wouldn’t have it any other way). When I do have some time to myself, I love exploring new places and getting outdoors for a good hike which helps me clear my head. I also love a good karaoke session and have a huge collection of unusual earrings – you’ll never catch me wearing a boring pair.

I then joined the team here as a housekeeper and was delighted to progress into the role of Head Housekeeper.

The most important part of my role is to make sure Waterhouse Manor is clean, safe and welcoming. For me, it’s all about the little details and going that extra mile. Even the smallest touches can make the biggest difference to how a home feels. It isn’t just about keeping things clean; it is important to create a comfortable and homely environment that residents can feel proud to live in.

A happy home is a team effort, and I’m proud to play my part in making every day that little bit brighter. Organisation, a positive attitude and a keen eye for detail are essential in this job. Being approachable, helpful and a good team player also makes a huge difference. I like things to be just right, so you could say I have a bit of a perfectionist streak in me.

I love spending time with our residents. So, the best part of the day for me is being able to catch up with them and finding little ways to make their day extra special. I also get great satisfaction from seeing a job well done and leaving an area looking spotless. There’s nothing quite like standing back and admiring a job well done (even if I’m usually already thinking about what needs doing next!).

Outside of work, I’m a keen runner and completed the London Marathon in 2025, so I’m no stranger to a challenge. I also have a small livestock farm, which keeps me busy, especially since I recently rescued a piglet that our residents have loved watching grow up. When I get the chance to put my wellies aside, I enjoy travelling, and Japan has been the coolest place I’ve explored so far.

I’ve been lucky enough to work on some of Cambridge’s oldest and most historic buildings; I’ve even won Roof of the Year twice.

Before joining Waterhouse Manor, I worked as a specialist plumber, focusing on lead work and restoration. It was a role that required precision, patience and an eye for detail. My experience means I have built up a wealth of practical knowledge over the years, so if something needs fixing, I’m usually happy to put my thinking cap on and get to work.

My number one priority is making sure Waterhouse Manor is a safe, comfortable and well-maintained environment for both residents and colleagues. I want everyone to feel looked after. Wherever possible, I’ll do it with a smile, because a positive attitude costs nothing.

Being able to make residents smile and making a positive difference to their day makes me proud of what I do. I also enjoy getting involved in activities like our Men’s Den, and Garden Club. These are a great way to bring people together and build a real sense of community. For me, the job is about much more than fixing things, it’s about helping make Waterhouse Manor a happy place to live.

Music is a big passion of mine. Outside of work I play bass and sing in my band, Iron Fist; we regularly perform at gigs across Cambridge and the surrounding areas. When I’m not making a noise on stage, I’m enjoying life with my beautiful family. I love spending time with my daughter, whether that’s trips to the park, feeding the ducks or going out for a bike ride. So, from laying down the funk to feeding the ducks, there’s never a dull moment!