“It feels like one big family”

When Jess arrived at White Ash Brook for her interview this summer, she sensed something different straight away. Even while she waited, team members made sure she felt comfortable and at ease. A simple gesture on the surface but one that spoke volumes for Jess.

“They asked how I was, made conversation and were just so genuinely interested,” she says. “I’ve been in care for years, but I knew immediately that this was the right place for me.”

That first feeling hasn’t faded. In fact, Jess says it’s only grown stronger. She’s settled into the team quickly, building relationships and becoming part of daily life. She describes it simply as:

“I wish I’d found White Ash Brook sooner. It feels like one big family.”

Jess enjoying quality time at White Ash Brook

 A culture you feel

When you speak to Jess and the team, it’s such a pleasure to hear them talk about meaningful moments. Things like a colleague checking a resident or team member is doing well, or stepping in to help before being asked. The constant sounds of laughter that fills the home with positivity. For new team members, that positive culture feeling is immediate.

Support that makes a difference

One of the things Jess values most is the open-door approach from Home Manager Sonya and Deputy Manager Abbie. She describes them as supportive, approachable, and wholeheartedly invested in the whole team’s success.

“You can talk to them about anything,” she says. “They’re encouraging, they listen, and you always feel supported.”

It’s this consistency that has helped Jess grow in confidence and settle into her role.

Sonya tells us:

“It is incredibly inspiring to know that a new team member already feels so welcomed and supported that they wish they had found us sooner. Moments like this truly make my heart full of love.”

 Looking ahead

With 2026 on the horizon, Jess is excited for continuing to spend quality time with her residents and explore career development opportunities in the place where she already feels at home.

“I love what I do, and I’m looking forward to growing here,” she says.

Jess with residents and our team.

She may still be one of our newer team members, but Jess’s impact is already felt across the team. White Ash Brook is better because of people like Jess and the rest of the team. And as she says, it really does feel like one big family.

You can read more about life at White Ash Brook here.