After school Mark joined BT, spending 25 years doing a range of roles. Leaving BT, he established his own programme management consultancy spending five years serving differing industry sectors. He then led a church for 12 years. During 2022 he and his wife felt a sense they should be more involved in serving their local community. Whilst looking for a role for his wife, the The Way We Care Lead role at Emmaus House caught his eye - the fit seemed remarkable.

Mark says, "I enjoy the breadth of interaction with our family members, being part of the great team here at Emmaus and learning about dementia. Outside of work I enjoy DIY, walking in the Dales and travelling with my wife. I love food and cooking and enjoy being part of our local church family."

Born in Hungary, Krisztina ('Kriszti') graduated as an English and Hungarian teacher and worked in primary schools and secondary schools in Hungary. She has also spent time working as a receptionist on a river cruise boat and lived in Italy for six years where she met her husband. She and her family have lived in the UK for seven years. Before joining Milward House, Kriszti worked as a private carer and in a nursing home.

Kriszti says, “My late grandfather had dementia. I spent a lot of time with him, so I experienced firsthand how important it is for people who live with dementia to have someone who understands them and is kind to them. My grandfather was a Christian and his faith helped him a lot. He used to tell me that “God never gives up on us.” That was his hope.

“I love talking to the family members about their life stories and their faith. I can learn a lot from them. We make sure that those who live with us can take any opportunity to share something they are good at.”

On leaving school, Sonya took a computer-based role in an office. However, she felt this wasn’t for her and wanted to work with people not machines. She went to work as a carer for Scope and for one of the Leonard Cheshire homes.

After having children, she became as a history teacher and then worked as a senior education advisor for an electricity company. After being made redundant, she was looking for a new direction - something heartfelt.

Sonya says, “I just knew Luff House was the place for me. Both my grandmothers and my father had dementia and now my mother is living with dementia too, so this work is very close to my heart. I first joined the team as a Hummingbird and later became The Way We Care Lead.

“I feel excited in this new role. It gives me the chance to work closely with the whole team, to help bring positive change to the home, to ensure that we are together delivering the best care, providing a vibrant and happy home for all who live here, enabling them to flourish.”

Lux joined Shottermill House as a Senior Carer in 2019, having previously worked as a dementia lead in another care home where he trained under the NHS Dementia Champion programme. He has worked in the care sector for more than 15 years and is thrilled to now be working in a Christian setting where spiritual care is included in every person’s care plan. When the role of The Way We Care Lead was introduced across Pilgrims’ Friend Society’s homes, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He is especially excited by the opportunities he has to train other staff in the GEMS approach to dementia care.

Lux says, “The Way We Care is a collective effort (it’s not The Way I Care) involving everyone across our home – managers, care staff, our ACE Facilitator, housekeeping, maintenance, kitchen staff. Together we ensure our family members feel safe and their care values are respected.”

Born in Surrey, Jenny grew up in the New Forest and studied at Winchester School of Art. She moved to Leicester in 1999 to work for a Christian mission that organises international prayer trips for students. In 2001 Jenny joined Evington Home to work as a carer, she did this for a year before a short-term placement in Jerusalem with CMJ.

Jenny settled in Leicester and started a family. She taught art and design for seven years at the local Christian school her children attended. Then last year, Jenny rejoined Evington Home as The Way We Care Lead.

Jenny says, “I am passionate about serving those entrusted into our care. I enjoy the profound privilege of bringing comfort and reassurance to our family members, especially those living with dementia. There is such fulfilment in knowing what I do really counts in the grand picture of our humanity. During His time on earth Jesus ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of others - what an example for us to follow as we imitate Him. Outside of work I enjoy classical music, gardening and being with my children.”

Jo comes to us from an eclectic mix of care jobs, housekeeping, and business ownership. Jo is a self-confessed nerd, and proud of it, having achieved her degree in politics with the Open University, whilst also caring full-time for her father. As Mum to four and step mum to two she loves all aspects of learning, and problem-solving, along with having a daft fascination with garden gnomes. Jo is settling into this new role and really enjoying getting to know all the family members.

Jo first became a Christian in her teens and re-committed her life to God after the birth of her third child over 25 years ago. Her wide range of life experience will hopefully provide insight and inspiration to her continued work at Middlefields House.

Lydia joined Koinonia in September 2023 as a Hummingbird and in December 2023 started her new role as The Way We Care Lead.

Having lived with two of her grandparents when they had dementia and seen firsthand the struggles it can create, as well as how people with dementia often get forgotten about, when the role of The Way We Care Lead came up she knew she had to apply.

The church has been a big part of her life since childhood, including being a part of Girls' Brigade for 15 years and becoming a young leader with them.

Outside of work Lydia enjoys sea swimming and paddleboarding.

Born and raised in the Wantage area, Nicole first visited Framland on a school trip and loved spending time with the family members, listening to the amazing stories they told. She first took on a role as a Kitchen Assistant and Domestic Assistant, and has since been a Carer, a Senior Carer and Hummingbird before becoming The Way We Care Lead.

Nicole says, “I have been following The Way We Care for many years after it first got brought into Pilgrims’ Friend Society and I have enjoyed every moment. When I was asked if I wanted to become The Way We Care Lead I was overjoyed as I am able to make a difference to the people living at Framland, working alongside an amazing team.

“We are like one big family who I love to share my life with. I have just had a baby and everyone is so happy and loves to hear how she is getting on and wants to see pictures.”