Julie’s career history paints a picture of hard work and dedication. For 30 years, she owned a delicatessen and bakery with her mother. It was a labour of love, a venture that brought them even closer together. Sadly, Julie’s mother passed away four years ago, a loss that still deeply affects her. “It really knocked me for six,” she confides, sharing how her mother’s passing prompted her to seek a new sense of purpose in life. Encouraged by her sister's husband, who works as a maintenance officer at Evington Home, she decided to apply for the kitchen assistant role.

Her role allows her to support the cooking staff and serve meals. Although she doesn’t do the main cooking, she assists with preparations and serves a variety of meals, including sandwiches and hearty soups to ‘family members’ (those that live with us). "I like to offer choices to them," she says.

Meeting Lisa, the catering manager, became a turning point for Julie. "We hit it off really well," she recalls, noting how her new role helped her cope with her grief and foster new relationships. At Evington Home, she has discovered her love for talking to people. "I didn’t realise how much I like to engage with people," she shares. The interactions she enjoys with family members brighten her day, and she takes pride in making each person feel valued. "Even if I’m just making them a cup of tea, I like to say hello and see their faces light up," she adds.