How Wood, Park Street, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 2QZ, United Kingdom
Key details
7 bedrooms
Dining room
Kitchen
Lounge area
Quiet area
Birchwood Bungalow is home to seven people with learning and physical disabilities. The home has a large secure garden and is surrounded by woodland which can be accessed via a small lane leading to various footpaths.
Supporting you
The residents at Birchwood Bungalow have opportunities to participate in a variety of activities both in-house and in the community. These include art and music therapies, aromatherapy, going to the cinema and restaurants, shopping, visits to parks, holidays, movie nights and various other sessions with our staff.
House meetings are held monthly where everyone is supported to discuss different subjects that are important to them. People are supported to make choices independently, with assistance appropriate to their needs.
We support individuals to have regular contact with their family and friends and to develop new friendships.
Facilities
The ground floor has a spacious kitchen/diner, a quiet room, a lounge, two specially adapted bathrooms and six private bedrooms, each decorated to suit the individual’s taste. There is another bedroom and bathroom upstairs. We have two vehicles which enable the residents to access local facilities, as well as attend their health appointments.
The team
We have a robust recruitment procedure and staff undergo both statutory training and additional training around the individual needs of the people they support. Our team bring a diverse range of skills and knowledge to their roles.
Birchwood Bungalow is situated in the picturesque village of Park Street, St Albans. Park Street has a parade of small shops only a few minutes’ walk from the bungalow. The residents are regular visitors to the shops and the local hairdressers, where the stylists know them well.
My career journey began with obtaining a BSc in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Nigeria followed by a year of national youth service corps [NYSC] in Nigeria. I then transitioned into the corporate world as a Deputy Secretary at Kamilus, Nigeria, before pursuing further education abroad. Upon completing my master’s in management in the UK I concurrently worked as a Care Assistant, gaining hands-on experience in
the Healthcare Sector.
Subsequently, I joined Voyage Care, Birchwood Bungalow as a Support Worker where my dedication and expertise led to progression to a Senior Role within a year. With continued commitment and proficiency, I further advanced to the position of a Deputy Manager, seizing opportunities for growth and development. My journey culminated in securing the role of a Service Manager where I now leverage my diverse background and passion for service excellence to lead and innovate in the Healthcare industry.
My qualifications include a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Nigeria Nuskka, providing a solid foundation in healthcare and nutrition. Additionally , I pursued a master’s in management at the University of Hertfordshire, Honing my Managerial skills, and strategic thinking. In the Healthcare sector, I hold a care Certificate demonstrating proficiency in fundamental care practices .Furthermore, I possess a level 3 qualification in adult care, showcasing my expertise in providing care to adults . Currently, I am actively engaged in furthering my knowledge and skills by pursuing level 4 and 5 qualification in adult care, aiming to deepen my understanding and effectiveness in this field.
I was drawn into Voyage Care by its reputation for providing high quality care and support and its commitment to making a positive impact on the people we support’s lives. The opportunity to work in care aligns with my passion for helping others and making a meaningful difference in their well-being. I find fulfilment in providing support and assistance to those in need and Voyage Care values resonate with my own personal and professional ethos. Moreover, the chance to contribute to an organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and complex needs greatly appealed to me, as I am motivated by the opportunity to promote independence, dignity and inclusivity within the community.
Working in care is a deeply rewarding vocation for me because it allows me to directly impact the lives of the people we support in a positive and meaningful way, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfilment as I witness the transformative effects of compassionate support and assistance on their well-being and quality of life.
As a service manager , my core responsibility encompasses a comprehensive range of duties aimed at ensuring the effective and efficient operation at the care facility and provision of high quality of support services to the people we support. I am responsible for developing and implementing care plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring that individualized care and support are delivered in accordance with regulatory standards and best practices, additionally I play a key role in team members recruitment , training, and supervision, fostering positive a work environment,
and promoting professional development among team members. I am tasked with maintaining strong relationship with stakeholders, including the people we support, families, external agencies, and regulatory bodies to ensure transparency, accountability and continuous improvements in service delivering. Furthermore, I am responsible for budget management, quality assurance and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, striving to uphold the highest standards of care and support and promote the well-being and dignity of those we serve.
My favourite aspects of working in care is the profound sense of fulfilment and purpose that comes from making a positive difference in the lives of the people we support every day. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the progress, growth and moments of joy experienced by those under my care, knowing that my efforts contribute to their well-being and overall quality of life. Building meaningful connections, providing compassionate support, and empowering the people we support to live their lives to the fullest. Additionally, the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to excellence and empathy further enriches my experience in care, fostering a collaborative and support environment where,
everyone’s contribution are valued and celebrated.
Tendai has extensive experience in managing services for people with learning disabilities, autism and additional complex needs and in supporting people to transition to more independent living.
Ayesha joined Voyage Care in May 2015. She trained as a learning disability nurse and has worked within the social care sector since 1990 covering a wide range of children's and adults’ services. Ayesha has held a number of senior appointments and immediately prior to joining Voyage Care held the post of Director of Operations for one of the largest domiciliary care providers in England and Wales. Ayesha has first-hand experience of care pathways and the journey through step-down services, as a parent of a child with complex needs.
Residential care home 
