Team Page | Orchard House

Ruth - Service Manager

I started my career as a nanny for an American family living in Germany when I was 19, and I’ve worked with young people ever since. After coming back to the UK, I spent over 15 years at St Andrew’s Hospital supporting young people with complex mental health needs. I’ve always had a

natural ability to connect with young people — to understand what’s really going on underneath their behaviour and help them feel safe and supported.”

While raising my five children, I also became a foster carer — something I did for 10 years and absolutely loved. I had the privilege of caring for 13 children. It wasn’t something I had to learn — I just instinctively knew how to support them, especially when they were struggling. I’ve always believed that young people deserve calm, consistent care, and someone who truly listens.

What really upset me was seeing how poor the standard was in some of the accommodation for teenagers leaving foster care. Many of these places didn’t feel like homes at all — sometimes not even a living room, just a bedroom. That’s when my husband and I decided to do something about it.

We turned our family home into a proper, homely place for young people aged 16+. That’s how Orchard House started. Nearly six years later, I’m so proud of the care and warmth we offer the young people who live here.

Mark - Director & Nominated Individual

Hi, I’m Mark. I co-founded Orchard House with my wife Ruth because we believed young people in care deserve more than just a place to stay — they deserve a real home and genuine support.

My background spans 20 years in the construction sector, where I worked as a building inspector and later as a standards officer for a leading organisation in new-build regulations and insurance warranties. I advised on building control, design, and compliance, and also held a consultant-level management role.

Earlier in life, I served as a Sea Cadet officer at the historic Bletchley Park unit, becoming second-in-command and helping lead a unit of over 50 Sea cadets and 25 Marine Cadets. That experience shaped my leadership style early on. In 2015, I became a foster carer alongside Ruth, supporting young people directly in a family setting.

This deepened my understanding of trauma, consistency, and care — lessons that now shape how we run Orchard House.

I'm currently finishing my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare, which has underpinned my knowledge of regulations and best practice. I stay actively involved in day-to-day operations to ensure our service is both compliant and compassionate.

I’m a reflective, compassionate leader who believes in taking the time to understand people’s needs— and building trust through consistency, fairness, and clear communication.

Outside work, I enjoy DIY, renovation, and turning big ideas into practical solutions.

“We own our mistakes, learn from them, and strive to do better — that’s how we lead with integrity.”

"Success Through Support" is more than our strapline — it’s a belief we live by. With the right support, given in the right way, every young person has the potential to succeed.

Sarah - Home Manager

Hi, I’m Sarah. I joined Orchard House in November 2019 as a Life Skills Instructor, bringing a real

passion for helping individuals grow through practical, everyday learning and support.

One of my early (and proud!) contributions was creating the Journey Book—our signature life skills folder. Yes, that one… I hold my hands up!

Since then, I’ve continued supporting our young people with a focus on building confidence,

independence, and a sense of purpose. I was later promoted to Assistant Manager, during which time

I also completed a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare. That

training—and lots of hands-on experience—helped me step into my current role as Homes Manager.

In this role, I promise to always do my best when offering advice and guidance. I’m passionate about

encouraging and motivating young people to be the best version of themselves and supporting them

every step of the way towards independence.

Before joining Orchard House, I spent over 20 years supporting both young people and adults living

with complex mental health needs in a secure unit.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find me playing or watching darts—my favourite way to relax and unwind.

Martin - HR & Administration Manager

Hi, I’m Martin! I’ve been part of the Orchard House family for over five years now, starting as a Senior

Support Worker before stepping into my current role as HR & Administration Manager in December 2023.

Although I’m mainly based at Barrack House, you’ll often find me visiting all of our homes. I believe it’s important for our children and young people (CYPs) to know me just as much as I know them. That’s why I make sure to stay involved, sometimes even covering support worker shifts to build strong connections and understand everyone’s unique personalities and needs.

One thing you’ll quickly learn about me—I love a good ‘Dad Joke’! I use humour to engage with both young people and colleagues, and if you ever catch me cracking a joke, just know it’s all part of my charm.

Before joining Orchard House, I held senior management roles across various industries—from timber

windows to logistics, Belgian chocolates to warehousing, and even healthcare. I’ve had the chance to

travel the world, working everywhere from London to Dubai, Brazil to Azerbaijan, and many places in between. (Yes, I did once get ‘thrown out’ of Brazil with my American CEO—but that’s a story for another day!)

Outside of work, I’m a proud dad to three grown-up children, one of whom lives in Australia, and a grandad to five wonderful grandchildren. My family also spent around 10 years fostering, which gave me my first real insights into the care system.

As for hobbies, I enjoy photography, following Watford FC and Northampton Saints, enjoying a good real ale, socialising, and, when possible, squeezing in some travel!

I first met Ruth—our Service Manager and co-owner—when we worked together at St Andrews in the CAMHS Unit. She told me about her and Mark’s dream of creating Orchard House to fill a gap in the care system. That dream quickly became a reality, and a few months later, I was invited to interview. I joined full-time in May 2020, and I’ve never looked back!

At Orchard House, there are no egos—just a passionate, driven, and experienced team dedicated to ensuring our CYPs reach their full potential. I’m proud to be a part of this journey.

And if you ever hear someone call me ‘Grandad’ around here… well, that always brings a smile to my face!

The Orchard House Northampton Team

Life Skills Instructor

Nicola

Hi, I’m Nicola, and I’m the Life Skills Instructor here at Orchard House. My role is all about helping young people build the confidence and practical skills they need to live independently — from cooking and budgeting to finding their own place.

I’ve worked in social care for over a decade, joining Orchard House two years ago. No two days are ever the same, and the best part of my job is seeing the progress our young people make as they grow in confidence and independence.

As a mum of five and a proud grandmother, I bring plenty of life experience and empathy to what I do. I’m a firm believer that every young person has potential — sometimes they just need someone to help them believe it too.

When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me out walking, spending time with my family, or lending a hand to others in the community.

Senior Support Worker

Jasmine

Hey, I’m Jasmine! I’ve been part of the Orchard House team for almost two years now as a Senior Support Worker. I studied criminology at university and focused my dissertation on how negative media portrayals can impact young people – a topic that still shapes how I see and support them today.

What I love most about my job is being that constant, caring presence – someone who listens, encourages, and shows up. Even the smallest moments can make a big impact, and I feel proud to be part of that journey with the young people we support.

Both inside and outside of work, I’m all about creativity – I love anything artsy and colourful, whether it's painting, doodling, or just getting stuck into something fun. I’m also a big family person and come from a large (and loud!) family, so connection and support are a huge part of who I am.

One quote that sums it all up for me is:
“Every child is one caring adult away from being a success story.” – Josh Shipp

Senior Support Worker

Annette

Hi, I’m Annette, and I’ve spent most of my career working in the care profession, supporting people of all ages — from toddlers in nursery settings to adults recovering from brain injuries. No matter the age or stage, I’ve always found joy in helping people grow and become the best version of themselves.

I’m a naturally creative person, and in my spare time I love making things — from hand-sewn bags and teddies to embroidered designs. Creativity helps me unwind and keeps me grounded, along with spending time with my grandson and listening to a good audiobook.

I live by two simple but powerful sayings:
“Only you can make you happy,” and
“The hardest thing about being an adult… is being an adult!”

I try to bring that same honesty, humour, and positivity into my work with young people every day.

Night Support Worker

Clair

Hi, I’m Clair – affectionately known as “the lazy one” (though anyone who works with me knows that couldn’t be further from the truth!).

I’ve been supporting young people for over three years, and although I never planned to work with children, it’s become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. The young people at Orchard House inspire me every day, and I’m passionate about helping them move into adulthood as confident, capable, and kind individuals.

I also work with young people outside of Orchard House, so supporting them to find their confidence, purpose, and happiness is something that runs through everything I do.

If I can help even one young person feel a little stronger, a little less sad, and a little more hopeful about their future — I’ll feel I’ve made a difference.

Night Support Worker

Helen

Hi, I’m Helen, and I joined Orchard House after spending over 25 years working in mental health. Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about helping people grow, adapt, and flourish — whatever challenges life throws their way.

I believe every young person has the potential to thrive with the right encouragement and support. My approach is calm, consistent, and compassionate, focusing on helping individuals build confidence and independence at their own pace.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me in the garden — I love working with nature, not against it, and there’s something special about watching things grow naturally.

One of my favourite quotes sums up my outlook perfectly:
“Like wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would.”

Night Support Worker

Allan

Hi, I’m Allan, and I’m one of the Night Support Workers here at Orchard House. I’ve spent over three decades working with young people — from football coaching to mental health support — and I still get the same buzz from helping others reach their potential.

My career started at Northampton Town FC as a Football in the Community Officer, and I went on to work for the YMCA and local youth clubs before moving into healthcare at St Andrew’s Hospital. Alongside this, I founded Northampton Soccer Stars, running coaching sessions for children and teens — one of whom went on to become a full England international player!

Outside of work, I’m all about keeping active, whether that’s training in Taekwondo (I once represented England in the World Championships!) or relaxing with Reggae and R&B.

Support Worker

Amanda

Hi, I’m Amanda, and I’ve been part of the Orchard House team as a Residential Support Worker for around 18 months. What I love most about my role is spending time with the young people — listening, laughing, and being someone they can trust and talk to. I always try to be more than just a support worker; I aim to be a friend who truly connects and cares.

Having experienced challenges in my own life, I understand how important it is to feel seen, heard, and supported. That understanding shapes the way I work every day, helping me to create a safe and positive environment for the young people I support.

Outside of work, I’m a big animal lover and often bring my two dogs along to meet the young people. They never fail to bring smiles, comfort, and laughter — reminding us all how much joy animals can bring.

Night Support Worker

Tara

Hi, I’m Tara, and I’m proud to be both a mum of three and a grandmother of four. I’ve worked in care for over eight years, supporting people at every stage of life — from their first steps in the world to their later years. My passion for helping others runs deep, and I believe even the smallest difference can have a big impact.

Someone once told me, “A moment enjoyed is never wasted,” and that’s a philosophy I carry into my work every day. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, sharing a laugh, or simply being there when someone needs support, I always aim to make each moment meaningful.

Outside of work, I love to travel and have lived in Thailand, which remains one of my favourite places. I’m a huge fan of Asian cuisine, especially Thai food — it always brings back memories of my time abroad and the wonderful people I met along the way.

Maintenance & Repairs

Laura

Hi, I’m Laura — though around here, most people know me as “Handy Mandy”! I’ve worked in and around social care for over 18 years, supporting services across Northamptonshire County Council and private providers before joining the Orchard House team.

My role now covers maintenance across all three of our homes, where I make sure everything runs smoothly and safely. From checking fire alarms and emergency lighting to tackling repairs, I take pride in keeping the homes in great shape for both young people and staff.

Before joining Orchard House, I worked closely with Social Services and provided transport for a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school — experiences that taught me the importance of patience, problem-solving, and teamwork.

I’m also a busy mum of two young children, and when I’m not fixing things, I’m usually chasing after them! If you spot me around the homes, feel free to say hi — and yes, my coffee order’s still one sugar.