Bluebird Care Oswestry

I started Bluebird Care Shropshire in 2009 having left my employment as Managing Director of a successful chain of Garden Centres shortly before. At that time I felt that my commercial skills and experience was well suited to the Bluebird Care franchise model and decided to be my own boss for the first time. It was a big step for me and a bit scary, but I was confident that I could make a difference in the Care Sector and wanted us to be the best in the county. I had recently been very poorly myself having had kidney failure over a number of years and then needed a kidney transplant in 2007. My sister very kindly gave me one of hers, it is still going strong so must have been a good one!! I will always be very grateful to her for giving me such a precious gift, but also to the numerous people in the NHS and the care sector who helped me when I needed it. To be honest that care has never stopped and continued today. So in starting Bluebird Care Shropshire I had an opportunity to repay some of the help and kindness that I was shown and set out to provide a high standard of care to the people of Shropshire who needed it. It was my chance to give something back.

Through Bluebird Care, I am passionate about providing excellent care and that passion has not diminished over the years. The culture of my business is about delivering excellent care to people in their own homes and going the extra mile for the people we support. A culture that is shared by the senior team in Shrewsbury and Oswestry and filters down to all of our care staff. That has enabled us to grow our service rapidly over the last 10 years. We have established a good reputation and work hard to maintain it. We are not perfect and things do go wrong from time to time, but we try hard to improve and learn. I am proud of what we have achieved together and look forwards to the next 10 years.

I have lived in Shropshire with my wife Rosanna for the last 28 years, raising our 2 young children here. They are both grown now: Gemma is a qualified Social Worker and manager with Action for Children and is Mum to my two granddaughters Mia & Evie; Chris works in Bluebird Care managing our payroll and has recently started his own property development business. I am a keen golfer and play at Church Stretton most weeks weather permitting and I enjoy spending time with my two granddaughters.

I left school in 1986 and started my training as a veterinary nurse. I had my daughter in 1990 and started work in a local care home in the evenings- I've worked in the care sector ever since.

I really enjoyed working with people who had an acquired brain injury and started my journey as a support worker. In 2009 I became outreach worker for Headway Shropshire and then a care coordinator (care manager) until July 2013, which was when I joined Bluebird Care. I have completed my level 7 in management and Level 5 in health and social care.

In my spare time, I love running and I have completed a few half marathons and several 10k’s. I also enjoy mountain biking. I met my husband in 1987 and we have two grown-up children and 3 wonderful granddaughters. We also have two dogs, Morgan and Molly, and love long weekends away in our campervan exploring our beautiful countryside with them.

I love working for Bluebird care because we strive to find solutions and make things work, adapting to the needs of our customers and organisation. I have such a fantastic team around me and that makes a world of difference.

I started at Bluebird Care Shropshire as Business Development Officer in November 2020 to focus on the marketing and business development opportunities here at Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Church Stretton.

Besides, I bring a wealth of experience to Bluebird Care from my professional background in marketing from within several different sectors including, FMCG, retail and professional services. I can utilise my transferable skill set and expertise in marketing to support the business, to develop and expand their range of current and future services, in line with the needs and requirements of our customers throughout Shropshire.

“I enjoy being able to combine my skill set and creativity and my passion for helping people, whilst adding value and supporting the great care team within Bluebird Care Shropshire”.

Outside of work, I love going on adventures and making memories with my young son, enjoying nature, walking my cocker spaniel and exploring the countryside on my bike.

I am based primarily at our Bayston Hill office, where I can be contacted via the main office number.

In 2012 I started my journey in the care industry as a care assistant. Not knowing where my interests would lead I soon discovered my interest in care. I joined Bluebird Care in February 2014 as an Apprentice. In May 2015 I completed my Level 3 NVQ in Business & Administration, which was when I was promoted to Manager's Assistant. Over the past few years, I have discovered a real enthusiasm for working in the care sector, I always hope to provide our customers and care assistants with effective support and guidance as to the first point of contact in the office or over the telephone. As I really thrived ensuring the business is running smoothly and that our customers and care assistants receive excellent customer service, I wanted to gain more understanding within the domiciliary care sector. I completed my Level 5 QCF in Health & Social care in January 2018 which expanded my knowledge of the care setting.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends especially when food is involved! I like to try and keep fit by walking and have a keen interest in the fashion and beauty industry.

I like working for Bluebird Care because I believe that we stand out as a care company with a difference, we are person-centred and FANTASTIC!

I am the Finance Assistant for Bluebird Care, which involves maintaining the company Sales and Purchase Ledger accounts. I have 30 years of experience in accounts, working in a variety of industries.

I am a Mum to two boys and we also have a dog called Harrison. In my spare time, I enjoy walking my dog, music festivals and reading.

What I love most about working at Bluebird Care is being part of a team that all work and support each other every day to make someone else's life better in every way we can.