4th March 2026
When Mel Chick first started her career in care, she didn’t have a grand plan to become a leader.
In fact, she almost didn’t step into leadership at all.
I never set out thinking I wanted to be a Locality Manager,” Mel says. “I just wanted to do the right thing by the people I was supporting.
That simple intention – to do the right thing – has shaped a career spanning 26 years and taken her from apprentice to Locality Manager at Discovery, where she now leads supported living homes that are transforming lives.
Starting from the ground up
Mel began her journey as an apprentice, choosing hands-on experience over college. She completed her Level 2 and Level 3 diplomas while working in frontline roles – support worker, care assistant and passenger assistant – gaining practical experience across day services and later within supported living homes.
Over the years, she continued to develop professionally, achieving her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care alongside her operational roles.
I did pretty much every job you could do,” she says. “It gave me a real understanding of what good support looks like – and what it feels like.
Those early years built more than just qualifications. They built resilience, empathy and a deep respect for the people she supports and the team members she works alongside.
Mel became a Better Practice Lead within day services, helping to shape quality, consistency and culture. She was later asked to step into an Acting Locality Manager role – a move that pushed her well beyond her comfort zone.
I was terrified,” she admits. “I didn’t think I was brave enough.
But she said yes.
After successfully leading in that acting capacity, Mel transferred into supported living as a permanent Locality Manager – and she hasn’t looked back.
Leadership rooted in values
Today, Mel leads supported living homes with warmth, high standards and a strong belief in doing what’s right – even when it’s difficult.
Her leadership was instrumental in transforming the life of Marcus, a man who had become withdrawn, heavily medicated and defined by a reputation that didn’t reflect who he truly was. Through patient advocacy, culture change and a careful three-and-a-half-year medication reduction plan, Marcus rediscovered his personality, humour and independence.
“I’m stubborn,” Mel laughs. “But if something isn’t right, I can’t ignore it. People deserve better than just being ‘managed’. They deserve to live.”
That mindset defines her approach.
She looks for bravery in her team members – not recklessness, but the courage to challenge assumptions, remove unnecessary barriers and see the person behind the paperwork.
Everyone should be allowed to have a personality,” she says. “Just because someone has a support need doesn’t mean they stop being human.
Under her leadership, homes have moved to environments filled with trust, laughter and confidence. New team members are supported to build genuine relationships and grow in confidence, knowing they are part of something meaningful.
A career with purpose
Mel’s journey shows what’s possible at Discovery. You don’t need to arrive with a five-year plan. You need heart, commitment and a willingness to learn.
Discovery supported Mel through qualifications, secondments and leadership opportunities. She grew alongside the organisation – and now helps others do the same.
I stayed because Discovery lives up to its promise of making people’s lives better,” she says. “If it didn’t, I wouldn’t be here.
For anyone considering a career in care, Mel’s story is proof that this isn’t “just a job”. It’s a profession where you can start at entry level and build a meaningful, impactful career. Where you can influence culture. Where you can change lives – including your own.
And sometimes, the leaders who make the biggest difference are the ones who didn’t think they were brave enough – until they realised they already were.