Team

Joanne Atkinson – Personal Assistant

Jo has worked in the Social Care sector for most of her career, initially starting work as a Care Assistant in a Nursing home in Preston. From there she moved to Preston Private Care Home and started to get involved in organising activities for the residents as their “Diversional Therapist.”

After her fourth child was born, she decided to focus on education and went back to College where she gained various qualifications in Business Administration. Her newly acquired knowledge in this area enabled her to start a role as an Administration Assistant in a Nursing home and she quickly discovered she enjoyed the Administration side of Social Care! She then progressed in her role and gained further experience at a number of other residential settings, including 3 years at the National Care Group Head Office in Accrington, before joining the Clifton Homecare family.

She has 4 grown up children and 4 grandchildren aged from 10 to 4, who all keep her fulfilled and busy! In her spare time she enjoys upcycling furniture and has a passion for arts and crafts, so the opportunity to recently convert an old writing bureau into a crafts bureau proved too good an opportunity to miss.

Jo also loves spending time with her 2 dogs, a small border terrier and a large presa canaria both of whom keep her fit when she takes them out walking.

Mellisa Hayward – Harper – Office Administration Assistant

Mellisa Hayward-Harper was born in Lytham St Annes, but has lived in lots of other places including Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Germany and Gibraltar! She has recently returned to the Fylde Coast and lives in Lytham with her daughter.

She has been a dressmaker for over 20 years and runs her own business making children’s clothes selling them online and at local craft markets. She plays darts for a local league and loves horse riding and walking.

Abi Grime – Lead Mentor

Abi started her early career in Accountancy before joining the Social Care sector. She has enjoyed various roles supporting clients within the areas of mental health, learning disabilities, autism, dementia and older adults. She began her career as a student, progressing into a care role followed by a range of management positions.

She has a first class BA Honours degree in Health and Social Care, certificates including Mental Health and Dementia, Level 5 Chartered Management Institute Certificates in Management, Coaching and Mentoring and she is currently studying her Master’s degree in Psychology with Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Abi is passionate about helping others and has a wealth of experience which is reflected throughout her career. She believes we all have a lot to learn and can develop more by working and learning together. She loves spending time with her family and her dog Willow. She is also a representative for The Body Shop at Home and Romans Home Fragrance.

Julie Fernandez – Mentor

Julie is a graduate of Bachelor Science in Elementary Education and she has worked as a teacher in both the Philippines and Indonesia. She has 18 units of Master’s Degree in English and has a diploma in Caregiving.

Julie has been working at Clifton Homecare now for over a year as a Domiciliary Care Assistant. She is currently undergoing coaching and mentoring under the LEAP Lancashire Engaging Apprentices Program.

She is passionate about helping others and sharing experiences. She is friendly and approachable. She loves reading, listening to music, spending time with family and friends and enjoys walking.