Candlelight Care (Dorset, Somerset & Wiltshire)

Sarah started her journey with Candlelight back in 2003. She began as a domiciliary carer and then transferred into the Live-in department, providing a service of 24-hour care and support.

This hands-on care experience set Sarah in good standing to progress into an office-based Care Coordinator role.

Sarah was able to gain the knowledge and skills and complete various qualifications along the way that then provided her with an opportunity to progress into a management role.

In 2021, Sarah was awarded her Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and was successful in becoming Candlelight’s Discharge to Assess manager. This role brought with it a focus on partnership working and a patient-focused, person-centred approach to regaining independence.

In February 2022, Sarah gained her CQC Registration, enabling the D2A service at Candlelight to have its own dedicated Registered Manager.

Sarah has had many opportunities to progress at Candlelight, and her most recent achievement is being appointed as the new Business and Development Manager.

In her own time, Sarah enjoys films, cooking and travelling.

Mandy is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Corsley branch. Mandy’s role is both strategic and hands-on, ensuring the branch runs smoothly, meets performance targets, and delivers a high-quality service.

Mandy ensures that high standards of care are consistently maintained, managing staff performance, client satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. Mandy leads and supports a team of care coordinators and care workers, ensuring that care plans are effectively implemented and tailored to each client’s needs. Mandy acts as the main point of contact for clients and families, resolving concerns and fostering strong relationships. Additionally, Mandy is responsible for achieving business targets and identifying opportunities for growth within the local community. This role requires a balance of compassionate leadership, operational efficiency, and a deep understanding of the care sector.

Mandy has her Diploma in Health and Social Care at level 5

Away from Candlelight, Mandy enjoys time with her family.

Anita is responsible for working alongside her Branch Manager, Mandy, in ensuring the running of the branches, Meetings, coordinating, Assessments, Reviews, Observations, taking on new packages, and managing staff Annual Leave are some of the jobs Anita does in her day-to-day life.

Anita is also out and about in the community and oversees the care we provide, ensuring that it always meets our high standards.

Anita has worked in Social Care for over 30 years and has vast experience in both Residential and Community settings, preferring to work in the community.

Away from Candlelight, Anita enjoys time with her family and spending time with her horses.

Karen is an Office Administrator covering the Sherborne area and assists her colleagues in ensuring the smooth running of the office.

Before joining Candlelight Care, Karen worked in Estate Agency (Residential Sales and Lettings), working her way up during a 30-year career to become a Director.

Outside of work, Karen's life revolves around her animals, which include numerous dogs, cats, ponies, chickens, and rabbits. She and her family enjoy the social life connected with showing some of the dogs and exhibiting at Crufts every year, where they are able to meet up with their friends from overseas.

Her hobbies include Ballet, Tap Dancing, CrossFit and occasional modelling; she also enjoys walking her dog, exploring new villages and family movie nights.

I have been a Care Coordinator for 7 years and am passionate about working in the care industry. I coordinate the Sherborne and surrounding area visits, but also support with care visits and being on-call.

I have a distinction in the Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker Diploma.

When not at work, I like to spend time with my family and friends, taking my young children on adventures and listening to music.

Outside work, she enjoys spending time with her teenage children and renovating her home, doing all things DIY! She also loves gardening and doing anything creative.

Maria is a highly experienced care professional, having worked in the sector for 35 years. She joined Candlelight Care in 2014. She loves sailing and getting out on the water; she also enjoys walking her dog and looking after her grandchildren.

As a Team Leader, Paula helps guide and support the care support workers to do their jobs well. Paula makes sure everyone knows what they need to do. Paula will help solve problems and keep things running smoothly. Paula will also talk with managers to share updates and make sure the team is meeting its goals. A big part of the role is encouraging the team, giving feedback, and helping everyone improve and work well together.

Paula is also part of the On-Call team, providing ongoing support for the care support team and the clients outside of office hours, ensuring all is running smoothly.

Spending time with her family

As our Recruitment Officer, Roxanne (Roxy) helps us to find new care and support staff to look after our clients in their own homes. In addition to posting new jobs on job sites, social media, and other outlets, she attends recruitment fairs and is constantly looking for ways to improve our recruitment process. She supports our potential new employees from the moment they apply for a job until they are invited for an interview, answering their questions, chasing up CVs and applications, and sometimes meeting for an informal chat in person or on the phone.

Away from the office, Roxy is a member of the Mere Amateur Dramatics society, which put on two productions a year in the Spring and Autumn. She has always loved performing and studied Acting at University, where she was able to tour regionally and Internationally in their productions.