Merriman Grange Care Home

As General Manager, I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for residents, relatives and loved ones. I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the home, ensuring high standards of care and compliance with care regulations. I am passionate about ensuring the residents have a safe and friendly environment that they can call home.

I have over 15 years’ experience in the health, social care, hospitality, and luxury property management sectors. I lived in the UAE for several years and managed the Wellbeing Operations in the world-renowned Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai. My background in five-star service and attention to detail drives my commitment to delivering exceptional care and creating a warm, dignified environment for the residents and their families. I combine operational excellence with compassion, ensuring that every individual feels respected and supported.

Having lived abroad for many years, I’ve embraced different cultures and experiences that have shaped my love for travel and adventure. A passionate sports enthusiast, I previously played for Brighton & Hove Albion women’s team and have taken on endurance challenges, including cycling the 7 Emirates for charity and most recently completed the London to Brighton Bike Ride. That was always on my bucket list. I thrive on pushing limits and embracing new challenges.

As a Deputy Manager, I work closely with our General Manager as part of the management team. Previously, I was a Team Leader and the Deputy Manager at our sister home in Chichester, Lakeview Grange. I take huge pride in my role, leading the team to provide a high standard of care to our residents. We work closely with our residents' families, too, to ensure a flow of communication and support.

I have worked in the care industry for the last 14 years, in the community and within local care homes.

My family are very important to me, I have two beautiful nieces and nephews who I adore and try to spend as much time with them as I can. Need to mention Alfie, my 14-year-old dog. Alfie is such a good boy who has been by my side over the past 14 years.

If I am not spending time with my family and Alfie, I make time to listen to music, take long walks and visit the gym.

As Home Admissions Advisor, I am the first point of contact for anyone considering becoming a resident at Merriman Grange. I work together with families and friends to ensure that their loved one’s move into our care home is as smooth as possible. Together with my colleagues, we provide support and reassurance to everyone involved in the process.

I also represent Merriman Grange in the local area, collaborating with local groups and charities to support our residents and the wider community. I’m very proud that Merriman Grange was congratulated by the Worthing & Adur Chamber of Commerce for our community engagement.

I joined the care sector in 2021 as a Client Liaison Manager for a Care Home Group, where I was responsible for helping families and residents navigate the transition into a care home. I have supported several homes across Bucks, Berks, Surrey and Hertfordshire. My aim has always been to deliver the best experience possible for those entering care. Now a resident of Worthing, I am delighted to represent Merriman Grange and Cinnamon Care Collection within Worthing and the surrounding communities. I have worked in front-facing roles for most of my career. I had previously managed customer service teams in both the private and charity sectors.

Moving to Worthing was prompted by the love of the sea. I like nothing more than a long coastal or cliff walk to help me switch off and reset. My main passion is live music and entertainment. I enjoy attending concerts, festivals, comedy and theatre productions. I’m a real foodie – mainly eating, rather than cooking – and probably watch way too many cooking shows!

As the second Home Admissions Advisor at Merriman, I work closely with Jan to offer reassurance, guidance and support to families as they explore care options for their loved ones. My role also takes me out into the local community, where I connect with businesses, charities and local groups to build genuine relationships that enrich life here at Merriman Grange. I’m proud to be part of a team that strives to make every resident feel welcomed, valued and truly at home, while helping them stay closely connected to the community around us.

I’ve been fortunate to work across many areas of the care sector. I began my career as a Dental Technician, running my own lab for 25 years, before moving into the charity sector as a fundraiser for a hospice and for two branches of Mind in Kent and West Sussex. From there, I found my way into care homes, taking on a Customer Relationship Manager – a position very similar to the one I proudly hold today. Supporting people has always been at the heart of what I do, and I truly enjoy building meaningful relationships with those I meet along the way.

I moved to Shoreham-By-Sea 3 years ago as I always wanted to be able to be close to the sea. I have been married for over 30 years to my wife, Helen. We have 3 children – well, adults now! – Ben, Josh, Ella and a small dog called Luna. I love walking with Luna and enjoy running 5 km up to full marathons.

As Head Housekeeper, I am committed to creating a clean, comfortable, and welcoming home-from-home environment for our residents, where they feel valued, at ease, and well cared for.

I bring a wealth of experience in hospitality and residential care. My background includes working as Catering and Events Manager at the Cambridge Union Society, where I developed strong hospitality and organisational skills while managing high-profile weekly talks and debates in the historic debating chamber. These events allowed students and members to meet and engage with individuals who shape our world, including leading figures from politics, science, the arts, sport, and entertainment. I also had the privilege of hosting several episodes of the BBC’s Mastermind in the chamber.

In addition, I worked as a Residential Matron at a boarding school, where I further strengthened my leadership and organisational abilities, ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, care, and comfort for the students in my care.

Outside of my professional life, I am a very proud mum to four children. They share my passion and competitive spirit for sport, which keeps our family life energetic and fulfilling. I have a lifelong love of sport, particularly football, and spent three years in the Girls’ Youth Academy at Arsenal FC, where I developed strong values around teamwork, commitment, and discipline. I am also a devoted Liverpool FC supporter - much to my dad’s disapproval!

In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, weekly Pilates classes, travelling and exploring new places, reading, attending live music, and visiting West End musicals. I believe these experiences enrich my life and positively influence the compassionate, attentive approach I bring to my role every day.

As Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coordinator, I’m passionate about creating meaningful, person-centred experiences every day. I love getting to know each individual’s story – understanding their needs, interests, likes, and life adventures – so I can help tailor activities that truly bring joy. Whether it’s through a shared smile, a heartfelt conversation, or a fun group session, my goal is to ensure every resident feels welcomed, valued, and engaged. Supporting wellbeing, building connections, and helping people live life to the fullest is what drives me every single day.

I have been working in the care industry for over 10 years, and it’s a field that truly holds my heart. My journey began after studying a Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification at college, which first inspired me to pursue a career supporting others. I started out as a Carer, then progressed to Senior Carer roles within residential care homes – building hands-on experience and forming strong, meaningful relationships with those I supported. About four years ago, I was offered the opportunity to become an Activity Coordinator – and it completely changed my perspective on care. I discovered just how powerful meaningful activities and personal connections can be in enhancing quality of life. Since then, I’ve proudly worked in Wellbeing & Lifestyle roles, focusing on creating joyful, person-centred experiences that empower residents to continue doing what they love, without limitations. Alongside my care work, I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Sociology. The Sociology aspect of my studies gave me a deeper understanding of the social and environmental factors that can impact a person’s ability to live fully and freely. This knowledge continues to shape the way I support residents today – ensuring they are not only cared for, but truly seen, heard, and celebrated. I absolutely love what I do. Seeing residents smile, share stories, and genuinely enjoy each day brings me so much happiness and pride.

I’m a naturally enthusiastic, bubbly, and warm-hearted individual who always tries to bring a smile to those around me. Family means the world to me, and I love spending quality time with them whenever I can. Outside of work, I have a deep curiosity about the universe – quite literally! I find joy and peace in stargazing, and I’m fascinated by astrology and space. It’s a hobby that keeps me inspired and constantly learning.

I also have a keen interest in true crime and investigative research. I enjoy independently exploring cold cases and learning about global criminal justice systems, which links back to my academic background in Criminology and Sociology. In my downtime, you’ll often find me watching documentaries or crime series – it’s not just entertainment for me, but a way to better understand human behaviour, social structures, and the world we live in. Whether it’s through meaningful connections at work or personal passions at home, I’m someone who loves learning, connecting, and making every day count.

As the Hospitality supervisor at Merriman Grange, I am responsible for ensuring that our residents receive the absolute best service and experience possible in our beautiful new home. I oversee the dining experience and events within the home, ensuring that every detail is perfect and support the team in delivering a first-class service. I am passionate about hospitality, so I enjoy meeting new residents and helping them settle into their new home.

For the majority of my career, I have worked within the contract catering industry, where I managed the on-site catering facilities for corporate clients. Before my role at Merriman, I worked as Head Chef for a brand new care home, where I very much enjoyed the interaction with the residents, which has led to my interest in stepping into a more front-of-house-based role.

In my spare time, I like to cook, spend time with family and go for long walks in the beautiful Sussex countryside that surrounds us. I am a keen DIY-er, so I can often be found tackling a new project at home - some more successful than others!

Outside of work, I am a passionate Liverpool FC supporter and enjoy watching most sports. Family time is very important to me—I’m married with three children, and I love spending quality time with them. I also enjoy listening to music and taking on DIY projects at home.