After working for the John Lewis Partnership, and as a classroom assistant and a child minder, I joined Care South in 2003 as a Carer. I progressed to a Senior Carer, then to my current role as a Care Team Manager.

My role involves assisting our elderly residents with their everyday living, as well as making sure the shift runs smoothly. Seeing happy, healthy residents is what makes the job really worthwhile for me.

In 2009 I was a finalist in the Best Carer Award at the Caring Times National Care Awards. This award recognises that the dedication and sensitivity of carers lies at the heart of providing quality care.

I started working in the care sector 17 years ago when I was a support worker with adults with a learning disability. I then became a senior carer working with older people, and then a manager before joining Care South in 2004.

As a home manager, one of my responsibilities is to deal with the necessary administrative work, but I see one of the most important aspects of my role as creating a happy working environment and motivating the home's staff. This in turn produces a positive atmosphere for the residents and their families and friends.

I get a great deal of job satisfaction from knowing I have a happy staff team and that our residents are receiving good care, and also from the knowledge that I am working for an organisation which has a high reputation.

The experience of caring for a close family member from a young age influenced my career and I joined Care South in 2003 aged 19 as a Domiciliary Care Assistant in Somerset.

I soon obtained the post of Home Care Administrator and gained promotion as a Home Care Organiser which involved helping to establish and organise the Devon office.

Then as Care Staff Supervisor I initiated a Recruitment Pilot Scheme which looked at how best to recruit and retain staff. Its success resulted in a permanent position as Recruitment Officer at the Somerset Office.
I joined the Training and NVQ team in July 2009. As a trainer I can share my passion and experiences of Social Care with both new and existing staff at Care South.

Throughout my career Care South have given me many opportunities to gain numerous qualifications and continue with my personal and professional development.

I trained as a teacher, have been a Weight Watchers leader, and later travelled the country training check-in staff for an aviation company.

I joined Care South in April 2009, and at the age of 60 this is a new career for me. I am responsible for delivering quality care to residents of an extra care housing complex. This support enables them to remain in their own homes and maintain a level of independence.

I very much enjoy the work, and what makes it special for me is when I can make the residents laugh!