Meet Joanne: A thread of care, woven through life 

Ask Joanne’s colleagues to describe her, and you’ll hear “supportive”, “sunshine” and “team player”. Some even call her their work mum. 

Joanne joined Premier Community in June 2026. Within three months, she’d been put forward, interviewed and trained for the role of Advanced Expert by Experience. It’s been quite a journey to get here. 

Where it all started 

Joanne’s love of care began in sixth form. As a Ranger in the Girl Guide movement, she volunteered with adults with additional needs. “From this, I knew this was the career I wanted,” she says. 

After college, she spent six months in the south of France as an au pair. She then spent twelve years with Derbyshire County Council’s social services as a Senior Rehabilitation Day Service Worker, helping adults live independently in their community. 

A career with a few plot twists 

When Joanne met her husband, life took her in a different direction. She spent ten years in hospitality as an innovation manager for restaurants, bars and lodges, training staff in and around the M25. After taking early retirement, she travelled Asia, blogged and wrote romantic comedy fiction. 

When COVID hit, she felt the pull back to care. She spent three years with a care company, then became a hospitality manager in a care home, before joining us this summer. 

Living in their time 

Joanne’s years in care have taught her one lesson above all: get to know the person, not just the task. 

“Good care is treating people as individuals rather than the tasks on our app,” says Joanne

In the care home, she played Boom Radio every morning. “This inspired so many memories. We would sing together and talk about what they were doing at that time.” She also started a baking club. “The ladies loved it, as they thought being in a home they would never bake again.” 

Her advice to every carer? “The people we support are older than us. They have a different outlook on life and different values. Talk to them about their past. Do your homework, and live in your service users’ time for a visit.” 

More than shadowing 

As an Advanced Expert by Experience, Joanne supports new carers as they find their feet. She says the role goes far beyond shadowing. 

“I always give new starters my personal number and let carers know they can call me any time, even if I’m not on shift,” she says. “Sometimes the pressure of the job can be too much for anyone. I’m always there to offer support, whatever their worries or questions.” 

When a day doesn’t go to plan, her approach is simple: “Take a moment. Don’t panic. Keep calm, keep your manager and care co-ordinator updated, and don’t feel you can’t ask your team for help.” 

“You’re my fix it woman!” 

The proof is in what the people she supports say. One recently told her: “When I know you are coming, I feel confident and look forward to you coming.” Another said: “If I have any problems, I know I can always rely on you to sort it. You’re my fix it woman!” 

And the most rewarding part of her job? “Getting up in the morning and going to my calls.” 

More than a cup of tea 

For anyone thinking about joining us, Joanne has this to say: “Being a care worker is not just making a cup of tea. It’s supporting someone to live as independent a life as possible, whether that’s personal care, shopping or light housework.” 

Off duty, you’ll find her on her allotment, in the kitchen or out walking. She also plans to pick up her romantic comedy writing again. 

Care isn’t just a job because… 

“…it requires patience, kindness and listening. It’s human connection and personal emotion, not just a wage or a set of tasks.” 

It’s never too late to find your calling. Whatever your background, if you’ve got the heart for care, we’d love to hear from you.