4th March 2026
I started my career in care back in 2013 as a support worker with Somerset County Council. At the time, I was picking up relief shifts while finishing my degree in Health and Social Care. Those early days taught me what care really means – not just supporting people with everyday tasks, but making a real difference in their day, however small it might seem.
As I gained experience, I stepped into a Lead Support Worker role. I loved being hands-on and learning what good, quality support looks like in practice. Supporting people to live their lives their way quickly became more than a job to me – it was something I felt genuinely passionate about.
When services transferred over to Discovery, my life was changing in other ways too. I was early in my pregnancy with my first child and faced a big decision: move into an admin role or stay on the frontline. I listened to my health and my instincts and chose to step into admin. Over the next few years, I worked as a Locality Coordinator and Service Administrator.
Although I missed being in direct support, that time gave me invaluable insight into how services run behind the scenes. I learned how teams work together, how decisions are made, and what really keeps a home running smoothly. Most importantly, I never lost my connection to the people we support – they were always at the heart of why I did what I did.
In 2023, when my role was made redundant, I saw it as an opportunity rather than a setback. My children were settled in nursery and school, and I felt ready to return to frontline leadership. I applied for an Assistant Manager role in a new home, and very quickly realised how much I’d missed this side of care.
The home had challenges and needed improvement, but I threw myself into it. Alongside an amazing team, we focused on embedding good practice, building confidence, and supporting one another. After two years of hard work, the home achieved a Good CQC rating, which was an incredibly proud moment for all of us.
When the opportunity came up to manage a brand-new home at The Paddock, I’ll be honest – I hesitated. Interviews felt daunting. But with encouragement from my manager and colleagues, I took the leap. In June, I became Locality Manager, and I haven’t looked back.
I genuinely love the people we support – they make every day worthwhile. Seeing someone grow in confidence, make choices, or enjoy a small moment of happiness is something that stays with you forever.
Starting a new home from scratch hasn’t been easy. In the early weeks, we were missing equipment, had no internet, and had to problem-solve constantly. But those challenges brought us closer together. We relied on each other, learned as we went, and built a culture that’s supportive, collaborative, and truly person-centred.
As a leader, I’m open and honest. If I don’t know something, I’ll say so – and then I’ll find the answer. I want my team to feel safe to ask questions, try new things, and grow in confidence. Everything we do is guided by the people we support, focusing on choice, control, and seeing each person for who they truly are – not just what’s written on paper.
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to build a welcoming, supportive environment as more people move into The Paddock. There will always be challenges, but every step of the journey is worth it when you know you’re making a real difference.
If you’re thinking about a career with Discovery, my message is simple:
You’re supported here. You’re listened to. You’re trusted to grow. If you want a role where you can be yourself, build real relationships, and know you’ve made a difference every day – this is the place to be.