I started my journey in Health and Social Care in 2003, when my son was just 12 years old. I began with agency work, which gave me the opportunity to explore all areas of care — from hospitals and care homes to dementia, end-of-life care, and home care. It didn’t take long for me to realise that palliative and home care were where my heart truly belonged. My favourite role was as a senior care assistant working alongside two fantastic nurses. They taught me so much — from understanding different types of dementia and genetic conditions, to seeing first-hand how possible and powerful it is to support someone to remain at home, even at the end of life. Eventually, I gained my Level 5 and became a Registered Manager for another care company. But I quickly realised it wasn’t the right place for me — everything felt like it was about targets and business, not people. Staff were constantly in tears, and I found myself spending more time supporting them emotionally than actually managing. It was a toxic environment, and I knew I couldn’t be part of something that had lost sight of what care really means. Shortly after I left, a friend asked if I’d help care for her friend’s father. Working for myself reminded me that care could be done differently — and properly. I realised I could offer the kind of care I’d want for someone I love, and from there, Heart to Heart Home Care was born. I registered with CQC, and as word spread, my reputation grew. Eventually I took on my first team member, Danni, and I’ve been lucky to build a small, close-knit team ever since. For me, keeping the business small means I can stay truly involved and make sure every client receives care with dignity, respect, and heart. That’s always been my goal — and always will be.

Many of you know me as 'Penelope Pit Stop' - always finding an excuse to add a splash of pink or perhaps from my days as a student at Reepham High School. I began my journey in Health & Social Care in 1998 at the age of 18 and haven’t looked back since! I worked in two care homes before joining Heart to Heart Home Care in April 2017. Although I hadn’t worked in domiciliary care before joining the team, it turned out to be the best decision I ever made, as it enables me to help clients stay in their own homes and maintain their independence. I absolutely love my role at Heart to Heart, as no two days are ever the same. I enjoy visiting a variety of clients in their homes, ensuring they are treated with respect and dignity while helping them remain in the place they call home. The most rewarding part of my job is hearing about my clients’ lives, learning from them, and meeting their families and friends. I’m a kind, dedicated, and passionate member of the team, always going that extra mile for my colleagues and clients. I am always just a phone call away, ready to offer help, guidance, or simply a friendly chat. I’m fortunate to be loved by all - clients, families, and staff alike and I strive to make a difference every day! Over the years, I’ve continued to learn and grow, both on the job and through various training courses. I have gained qualifications in Dementia, Mental Capacity, and Management training, all of which have helped me be the best I can be for those I care for. Outside of work, I enjoy watching hospital dramas and spending quality time with my family. I’m also a keen gardener and have built up a rather impressive collection of garden gnomes and gonks! I also have a funny yet understandable phobia of birds, so you won’t ever find me at Pensthorpe or watching Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds"!

Hello, my name is Emily, and I have been an Office Manager at Heart to Heart since January 2018. My journey before joining Heart to Heart Home Care was anything but conventional! I began by studying Photography and Digital Media at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge before embarking on an incredible adventure - purchasing a round-the-world ticket and backpacking through South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. I was set to work as a photographer on P&O Cruises but, in a twist of fate, met my husband just a few weeks before being accepted onto their Caribbean cruise line. Instead of setting sail, I embraced the work opportunities available during the recession, which led me into the fields of Training and HR at May Gurney. Alongside this, I ran my own business, Woodrow and Cook Photography, and continued in these roles until I had my son, Alfred. Unexpectedly, my mobility started to decline, and with Alfred refusing to sleep, I turned to my mum, Carolyn, and kindly asked if she could pay me to help out in the office. Over six years later, I’m still here - and loving it! I never imagined myself in the care sector and, like many, assumed the role mainly involved personal care, meal preparation, and the occasional game of Scrabble. However, I quickly discovered just how much more there is to it! Working in care requires expertise in countless areas, from conducting thorough health and safety assessments (similar to those of Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service) to mastering Moving & Handling techniques akin to those of Occupational Therapists. I have developed knowledge in medication management, nutrition & hydration, dementia, diabetes, skin, oral health and more. With increasing pressures on the NHS, care assistants are taking on more clinical roles, often needing to act swiftly to support primary care teams with diagnoses, observations, and treatments. We follow a strict compliance system and receive fantastic support from Norfolk & Suffolk Care Support. We also strive to give back to the community, raising funds for causes such as Multiple Sclerosis, Ovarian Cancer, Alzheimer's and Norwich Homeless Support. During my time with Heart to Heart, I have learnt an incredible amount and continue to learn something new every day. I never miss an opportunity to expand my knowledge through training courses offered by Adult Learning, NHS Norfolk & Waveney, Skills for Care, and Norfolk Careers. One of my proudest achievements so far has been completing the Level 4 Aspiring Managers course. Currently, I’m taking a break from higher education to retake my Math's qualification with Adult Learning—surprisingly, I’m enjoying it! I love travelling, and since having Alfie, we have explored various European countries, particularly around the Mediterranean. Every trip involves plenty of snorkeling. As I recover from hip correction surgery (PAO), I have temporarily packed away my camera equipment. These days, I spend most of my free time in the gym, swimming pool, or enjoying precious moments with family and friends.

Hello, I'm Karen, and I’ve been a Care Assistant with Heart to Heart Home Care since November 2023. My journey to joining this amazing team is a little unique, and I’d love to share it with you! Before moving back to the UK, I spent five wonderful years living in France, where I ran my own business called Les Hirondelles Kennels. It was a rewarding experience, but in August 2023, I decided to return to Taverham to be closer to my family. I felt it was the right time to support my dad, who has cardiovascular dementia, and help care for him. As well as being a mum to my lovely teenage daughter, Emma, who is currently studying in sixth form at Notre Dame, I’ve always had a strong desire to help others. That’s why I chose to join Heart to Heart Home Care - a family business where everyone is treated like part of the family. I absolutely love my role, as each day brings something different, and the clients I work with are all truly wonderful people. It’s a very rewarding feeling to know that I’m making a positive difference in their lives. In my spare time, I enjoy walking my adorable little dog, Sapphire. She’s always by my side, bringing so much joy to my day. I used to be quite active, regularly going to the gym and enjoying a good run, but since I’ve been back in England, I haven’t quite got around to starting again. Hopefully, I’ll get back to it soon! I'm really grateful to be part of such a supportive and close-knit team here at Heart to Heart Home Care. It feels like a family, and that’s one of the many reasons I enjoy being here so much. I look forward to continuing my journey, helping and supporting others, and making a real difference in the community.

Hello, I’m Dawn, and I’m proud to be part of the Heart to Heart Home Care team as a Care Assistant. My journey into care has been full of variety, but the common thread throughout has always been a genuine passion for helping others and making a positive difference. I’m a Norfolk girl through and through - born in Kings Lynn and raised in the small village of East Barsham near Fakenham. I went to school in the beautiful coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea, so this part of the world holds a special place in my heart. Before joining Heart to Heart, I worked across a wide range of roles, from customer service and catering to early years education and both domiciliary and residential care. I’ve supported clients in their homes, worked with children in nurseries, and provided end-of-life care through crisis teams. No matter the role, I’ve always taken pride in offering support with kindness, respect, and a big smile. I hold my Care Certificate and have completed various training in manual handling, food hygiene, health and safety, and more. I’ve also supported and trained team members, which I find really rewarding. What I love most about working at Heart to Heart is how much it feels like family. The team is incredibly supportive, and we all share the same goal - providing outstanding care and helping people feel safe, comfortable, and valued in their own homes. Outside of work, I live an active and outdoorsy life. I love spending time with my two daughters, especially during long beach days at our favourite local spots—Holkham Beach and West Runton. We’re also a camping and paddleboarding family, and one of our top places to visit is Loch Lomond in Scotland - it’s absolutely breathtaking. When we are not out adventuring, I enjoy more creative time at home, especially building with old-school LEGO. I’ve got a real soft spot for making LEGO flowers - it’s a little hobby that brings me a lot of joy. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a kind and committed team, and I look forward to continuing my journey at Heart to Heart, supporting others and making every day count.

Hello, my name is Natalie. I started out working in retail, which I really enjoyed because I love socialising and chatting with people - but I always felt something was missing. That feeling really made sense when I realised how much care had always been a part of my life. When I was 13, my nan passed away. My mum built an extension on our house and my grandad moved in with us. He was so lost without her, having always relied on her for everything. As a family, we stepped in to support him, but I naturally took on a caring role. Later in life, he was diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, and I supported him right through his end-of-life care. Not long after that, my other grandad passed away suddenly from a stroke, and once again we came together as a family to care for my nan. I have always loved being around older people and hearing their stories. I feel like they have so much to teach us, and I’ve always felt at home in their company. The hardest time in my life came when my dad was diagnosed with leukemia. I was 28. My dad had always been so fit and healthy, and we were told it would be a rollercoaster - which it was. He started chemo soon after his diagnosis, and he battled through low platelets, infections, and countless hospital stays. Eventually, he had a stem cell transplant in Cambridge, but sadly it didn’t work, and he was given just two months to live. My family is very close, and we all had a rota to care for him. We each played a role. It was incredibly hard, but I look back and feel proud of how we came together. I talk about my dad all the time - he was the glue that held our family together. Grief is a funny thing. Some days it feels like he died yesterday, other days it feels like years ago. People often tell me how strong and caring I was during that time, though I never really saw it that way myself. After all of this, my family and partner encouraged me to try working in care. I started with another care company and really enjoyed the role - but I found the visits were too rushed, and I was spending more time in the car than with clients. One day I was chatting to my neighbour, who mentioned she used Heart to Heart. She suggested I give them a call, so I rang Carolyn and we just instantly clicked. I came in for an interview, and the rest is history. A few years later, my family encouraged me to try a role with BUPA as a chance to progress. I worked in an office for four months, but I hated it. I missed the clients, the team, and the feeling that I’d truly made a difference in someone’s day. I called Carolyn and asked for my job back - and thankfully, she said yes! I was welcomed back with open arms and haven’t looked back since. Working in care feels like where I’m meant to be. I don’t just see it as a job - it’s something I live and breathe. I get happiness from other people’s happiness. Knowing I’ve made someone smile, helped them feel comfortable, or simply listened to their story - it fills my heart in a way no other job ever has.