Welcome to Bluebird Care Careers in Richmond & Twickenham

David Mitchell and Maria Leonard are long-time residents in East Twickenham.  David is a native Scot and Maria is from Liverpool: we’re well known all over Richmond as we’re keen cyclists and it’s our preferred method for getting around! We both worked in IT for many years where David held senior management posts and Maria worked as a trouble-shooting consultant.

Our decision to join Bluebird Care came following our own personal experience of our parents getting older. It’s not easy for ‘the sandwich generation’  to juggle a busy job, a growing young family and older relatives who need help with living day to day, especially if, like us, you live some distance away.  We looked, unsuccessfully, for a caring, reliable, agency that could help out with the day to day tasks that our parents were finding less easy to manage.  At the time (over 12 years ago now) we identified that there would probably be plenty of people like us, with careers and families elsewhere, whose parents are still living in Richmond Borough. Also, as we’re getting older ourselves, we started to wonder what would be in place here when we get to the stage where we need a little help!

We’d come across Bluebird Care when we were doing our searches: we recognised that they hold many of the same values as us. We decided to join them and provide a service in Richmond that we would want for ourselves and our families and we’ve spent the past years working hard to provide what we believe is the highest quality service at a reasonable price. We’re very proud that we have gained an unequalled reputation with the healthcare professionals and third sector organisations across the borough through working closely with them to provide the best and most appropriate support for our customers, time after time.   During this time we’ve also managed to recruit and employ a fantastic team – hard working, trustworthy caring and professional. Most of our careworkers live in or around the borough – providing that extra bit of local knowledge that makes all of the difference.

it was a big change for us, moving from high tech industries where people often take second place. We love working in Social Care, with passionate, caring, involved people with the opportunity to make significant change for the better in peoples’ lives every day. You could say, we're hooked !

I have over 30 years’ experience in health and social care, starting my career as a carer in residential care for Richmond Social Services, I became an assistant manager and then moved on to working in social day centres and dementia day care.

I then started to work for Surrey Social Services, as an advisory officer and in care management roles, before becoming a registered manager for domiciliary care. I have worked in domiciliary care ever since in various roles.

About eight years ago I took up an assistant manager’s role for a private domiciliary care provider, and discovered a real enthusiasm for training others in all aspects of health and social care.

I joined Bluebird Care in July 2015, and found a team who are committed to providing high quality care to all their customers, I hope to provide carers with meaningful, relevant training and learning opportunities, I have a particular interest in Safeguarding and Dementia care. In December 2019 I took over as the Registered Manager then in February 2020 we had a CQC inspection and I am pleased to say had an overall rating of Good, with Outstanding for well lead.

I hold the following occupational qualifications: Registered Managers Award, NVQ 4 in Care, A1 Award, V1 Award and CTTLS. One of my favourite things is to roll up my trousers, walk along the shore and paddle in the sea, whatever the weather !

 

 

I have worked in the care industry for 10+ years.  I started working for Bluebird Care in 2012 after arriving from New Zealand in 2011 with my family.  I started as a domiciliary care worker, I was quickly promoted to support supervisor and then Customer Care Manager.  During this time, I completed my Level 3 Health and Social Care and have also obtained Level 5 Health and Social Care Management.  In early 2020 I was promoted to Deputy Care Manager.

I enjoy all aspects of my role within the company and enjoy being able to meet and make a difference in the lives of those that we care for.  I enjoy the interaction with the customers and their families, carers and colleagues and working together in a team.

I take pride in making a difference which allows the elderly to continue to remain as independent as possible in their own homes with the support of our services.

I have a very active role within the company regarding live in care which allows me to share my experience and knowledge with customers and their families.  Working in the care industry can be difficult at times and with that we face different challenges on a daily basis, but it is also one of the most rewarding careers an individual can have.  I enjoy the challenges that the role provides and mostly have great pleasure in making a difference in the lives of others.

When I am not working, I enjoy travelling, especially through Europe, spending time with family and friends, watching the odd game of football 😉, and spending time in my garden.  

After a successful career in retail management i moved into care with  Bluebird Care bringing the skills that I’d learnt in my previous career to support admin and recruitment.

I’ve really found my niche. I am now office operations manager; dealing with all aspects of office admin and recruitment

In the time I’ve been here, I’ve learnt a lot more about how businesses run. I’ve completed

Level 2 QCF Business & Admin Diploma

Level 3 diploma in HR

Level 5 award in HR Management

GDPR data controller training

I like to keep up to date with the changes in HR legislation and  the past few years I have added to my CPD by completing various online courses in Employment law, Right to work, Equality and diversity.

I love my job!!

No two days are the same, every day is different.

I get to give people a chance at a new career, and get to support them to develop and progress further.

I get to talk to people ALL day. In the office, on the phone……

When I’m not working 😉

I eat cake and watch 80’s movies.

Walk my dogs and  spend time with my family

I started working in care 12 years ago as a care worker. I joined Bluebird Care 6 years ago as Support Supervisor and I've progressed to Customer care >anager  

I have experience in working in domiciliary care and residential care for adults with learning disabilities.

I studied my Level 2 in Health and social care at Richmond college. Since I;ve been with  Bluebird care I have now completed my Level 3 as well as Care Certificate assessor.

Working in care can be tough some days but the difference and joy you can make to someone’s day and/or life is a feeling like no other.. Every day brings new challenges and I'm always happy to take them on as I love dealing with people, sorting out their issues to satisfaction, seeing them enjoy their lives.  

When I’m not working I love to spend time with my son taking him to different places. I love the sun and enjoy going on holiday visiting different places.

I  cared for my late husband for 5 years, he had Neuropathy which it is part of the MND.

After his death, I needed to work so I can raise my children.

I did a lot of courses but all of them keep bringing me to health care, that is where my path started.

I  have been doing care as profession since November 2005, and I have only worked for 2 agencies.

After 12 years of being care worker, I become support supervisor, then in 2017 I was promoted to Customer Care Manager.

I study and have a degree in economy.

I have a diploma in Child care and Education

I have a certificate in Health and Welfare management

I have a diploma in Health and Social Care level 2 and 3

I have successfully completed the People Handling Train The Trainer

I was great British Care Awards carer of the year in 2015 for Greater London and a national finalist 

As care worker, I used to enjoy bringing a smile on my customers face, making sure that they start their day with a positive thoughts

As a CCM, I enjoy going out meeting with the customer and their family, writing the care plan that reflect their needs

I love making sure that they have the carer that match with their character.

I like to interact with the carers, and work along side with them as they know the customer better than myself and their feedback is very important.

As a trainer, I am happy that I can share my knowledge with the care workers.

I like the good spirit of team work we have in the office.

What I do when I’m not working 😉

I like going for a walk it boost my energy and moral, I like meeting friend and going out for a meal with my children and family.

I go to church every Sunday and occasionally collecting and dropping food to the food bank in my church.

I sometimes do meditation which helps me get rid of negative vibe

I like listening to the music, watching documentary on TV and films (romantic, historic or just a good movie…)

I am very motivate to learn new skills and improve what I already have as skill.

I find it amusing to do window shopping