Secret Garden Day Care

Mark became manager of the Secret Garden Hub in September 2017 after joining the team six months earlier.

Mark had a varied career before settling in the care sector. He has worked in local insurance, aviation and computer support firms before reassessing and retraining. The motivation to change was influenced by his Granny; she got dementia and her care was shockingly bad. When Mark visited her he found he was not only entertaining her but also the other residents. Her influence still stays with Mark particularly when planning activities at the Hub and always ensuring nothing is patronising; “Our guests are adults and we treat them as such”.

Mark has completed his Level 5 in Health and Social Care, in addition to CPCAB Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills and a Dementia Link Leader.

What does Mark particularly value about working at the Hub? “You are always learning. I love history and I am always learning about the past by people who have lived through it.” “I’m proud that we have made the Hub a success, it’s brilliant to be able to help so many people and their families; when people come to the Secret Garden their families become part of the Hub too.”

Outside of work Mark spends his time with his family, their dog and renovating their house!

Hannah Landon-Hammond has worked across a variety of roles, but it was her early experience in retail and cinemas that helped her realise she was looking for something more meaningful. That sense of purpose was found when she began working in a dementia specialist care home, where she spent nearly three years developing her skills, knowledge and passion for supporting others.

Keen to explore a more creative and engagement-focused path, Hannah moved into activities, and since then, she has grown within the charity, progressing in her career and embracing opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.

Now part of the team at the Secret Garden, Hannah values the strong sense of community and connection, describing it as a place where guests and staff feel like one extended family. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences and supporting each individual to live well.

Hannah has completed Dementia Link training, as well as NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications. She also has a longstanding interest in psychology, having studied it at A Level, which continues to inform her thoughtful and person-centred approach to care.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family, painting and being in nature. She is also musically creative, having taught herself to play the guitar, ukulele and, more recently, the handpan. Her creativity plays an important role in her work, helping her bring energy, empathy and fresh ideas to the experiences she creates for others.