Meet the The Cedars Bourne Care Home Team

Hi I'm Jo. I have been qualified as a nurse since 1996; and have a variety of experience in Accident and Emergency, trauma, neuroscience and working overseas as an International School Nurse. Most recently, prior to The Cedars, I developed a passion for supporting elderly people; especially those living with dementia; and have experience of eight years in complex care.

I love supporting the residents at The Cedars and helping them to enjoy life and (as much as possible) maintain their independence; especially ensuring that residents and families have everything they need to feel supported with their individual needs and as a part of The Cedars Community.

In my spare time, I love to spend time with my husband, two girls and little dog Charlie. I really enjoy sitting in my garden with a good book and a lovely little chocolate cake.

Hello! My name is Tonderai Charity. I qualified as a nurse back home in Zimbabwe in 2010. I relocated to the UK in 2020 where I joined Barchester Healthcare at Cedars, Salisbury. I have recently joined the amazing Cedars Bourne team as Clinical Lead and I couldn't be more excited.
I have so much passion for elderly care and feel a great sense of achievement when helping others to live their best potential.
I am in so much love with nature, boats, cruising and travelling.

Hello. My name is Sarah Longstaff and I am the Care Home Assistant Practitioner here at The cedars. I have worked here since 2019 and my role is to support the nursing team and ensure resident care is effectively delivered. I have worked in the care sector for over 20 years and I love meeting new residents and their families. I enjoy the challenge of knowing that every day is different. It's great being part of The Cedars team and working in such a homely environment.

Hi, I’m Alison, I qualified as a nurse in 2000 and started working in Preston Hospital in the Surgical Wards. I spent 12 years there; before I moved to Bourne with my 4 kids. I’ve worked in the local Doctors Surgeries and with the Palliative Care Team working in people’s homes.  I have been working at The Cedars since 2020 and have loved working with such a great team since I arrived.

Hello, I’m Leanne- Administrator at The Cedars. I am very happy to be able to support our residents and their families with anything relating to communications, finances or administration. If you have any questions about these aspects it is probably me you need to speak to. I have worked in care for over eighteen years, many of those here at The Cedars. I have worked across many different departments over time; which gives me a unique perspective about how everything works. I like being part of a team that I have happily worked with for so long. We will ensure that our residents enjoy the premium quality lifestyle that they deserve.

Hello. I’m Helen, the Activities Coordinator at The Cedars. I joined the team in 2021 and I have lots of skills that I can use to create an interesting and varied programme of activities, events and celebrations for residents to enjoy. I am a qualified holistic therapist and offer an holistic approach to activities in the home, I love creating new activities that our residents enjoy, taking residents out on day trips and promoting wellbeing through lots of different activities. When I am not at work I love playing my clarinet, crocheting and art - I use all of these in my role.

Hi I’m Richard, the Head Chef here at The Cedars. I have been a chef for 30 years, having started my career in the armed forces. I am passionate about providing home cooked, nutritious food for our residents to enjoy every day. I enjoy making our residents happy by catering to their personal tastes; and talking to our residents about their likes and dislikes in order to create varied and exciting menu choices.

Hello, I’m Kev, Head of Maintenance.

I started at The Cedars in October, and I already feel at home!

I have 25 years’ experience within facilities maintenance and management. The last 15 ½ years I worked in a senior school with approximately 1600 staff and students. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and our Yorkshire Terrier.

Hello. I am Donna. Since joining The Cedars team in 2013 I have always taken pride in delivering high standards. As Head Housekeeper I always provide a high quality service to residents and follow all protocols relating to hygiene and infection control. I enjoy working closely with my housekeeping colleagues and we always make residents' wellbeing our priority. I like getting to know residents' families too. The Cedars is a great place to be and I love our home.

I joined Cedars Bourne as an Admin assistant in October 2023. I play a vital role in supporting our care home through liaising with all departments. I thrive on interacting with the residents who often spend time in the reception area, allowing me to form meaningful connections. I enjoy working in reception as I get to know everyone and meeting and greeting visitors gives me the chance to form lasting relationships. My hobbies outside of work include Karaoke, dancing salsa and bachata, travelling around the UK and different countries, and I cherish taking care of my cats.

I started at the Cedars in 2010, working in the kitchen. I have been a part of every department at The Cedars over my career; and am happy to help out wherever I am needed. As a long- time staff member I have detailed knowledge of all of our residents; and love helping them to settle in and be part of our family. Residents often join me in the café, where we have great chats and laughter all day long. In my free time; I enjoy hiking, city breaks and reading- my favourite author is Freda MacFadden.

Pauline is a very active member of The Cedars. An ex care-assistant; she has a unique insight into life in a care home, both as an employee and as a resident. Pauline will act as the voice for our residents, and is keen to help and support wherever she can in order to ensure that everyone receives the enriching, caring and fulfilling experience that they expect. She says: ‘I am particularly interested in helping new people and showing them the ropes. It can be quite daunting coming into an environment you don’t know or understand’.