Marcel is the dedicated manager of The Grove residential home. With a genuine passion for the well-being of people supported and the support team, Marcel’s commitment shines through in everything she does.
Driven by the daily progress and growth she witnesses in both people we support and the team members, Marcel’s leadership is characterised by compassion, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment ensures that everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.
Marcel’s genuine care and passion make her an invaluable asset to The Grove, inspiring others and making a positive impact on the lives of all those she supports and works alongside.
What has been your experience in sector?
“My journey at The Grove began in September 2022, marking a new chapter in my longstanding career in the social care and healthcare sector. With over 16 years of experience, I have cultivated a deep understanding of diverse needs and abilities, having started as a support worker and progressed to the role of a registered manager.
“Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting people with a wide range of needs, including the elderly, those living with dementia, mental health needs, learning disabilities, and autism spectrum conditions. This rich and varied experience has equipped me with the skills and empathy needed to provide compassionate and effective care to everyone I support.
“In addition to my practical experience, I have also pursued academic qualifications to further enhance my knowledge and expertise. I hold a degree in Public Health from Greenwich University, complemented by an Access to Nursing Diploma attained from South Thames College.
“I am passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those I support and am dedicated to continuously learning and growing within the field of social care and healthcare.”
What will you most be looking forward to in your role?
“What excites me most is the prospect of ensuring that people I support have the opportunity to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. It’s not just about meeting their basic needs; it’s about empowering them to pursue their passions, interests, and aspirations. I am committed to fostering an environment where each person feels valued, supported, and encouraged to explore their potential, achieve their goals, and experience joy and fulfilment in every aspect of their lives. Making a positive difference in their journey towards happiness and self-fulfilment is what truly drives me in my role.”
What do you enjoy most about your role?
“Building meaningful relationships with each person we support is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. Witnessing their growth and development as they become more integrated into the community fills me with joy and a sense of fulfilment. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them step out of their comfort zones, accomplish things they once thought were out of reach, and continue to evolve on a daily basis.
“Moreover, collaborating with other professionals to ensure that the diverse needs of those we support are met brings me immense satisfaction. By working together as a team, we can provide comprehensive and holistic support that addresses every aspect of their well-being. Together, we can empower people to live their lives to the fullest and thrive in their community. It’s these collaborative efforts and shared successes that truly make a difference in the lives of those we support, and I am grateful to be a part of it.”
What motivates you?
“As a single mother of two, my children are my greatest motivation. My journey as a parent to a son with autism spectrum condition has been filled with challenges, from navigating funding hurdles to advocating tirelessly for his needs. Despite these obstacles, my son’s resilience and unwavering spirit inspire me daily to ensure he receives the support necessary to thrive and lead a happy, fulfilling life.
“Being a mother has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and compassion, which I bring into my role at The Grove. When I’m at work, I constantly think of my son and strive to provide the same level of care and support to the individuals I work with. Every decision I make is driven by the principle that the support offered at The Grove should be nothing less than what I would expect for my own child.
“Challenges serve as fuel for my determination. I refuse to let any obstacle stand in the way of ensuring that my children and those I support have access to the opportunities and resources they deserve. Whether it’s dismantling social, financial, or health barriers, I am committed to breaking down barriers and advocating for equal access to essential services and support.
“My experiences as a mother have shaped my approach to caregiving, imbuing it with empathy, resilience, and a relentless drive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
What has been your greatest achievement with those you support?
“One of my most cherished achievements is witnessing the transformation of a gentleman we support who initially faced challenges accessing the community due to behaviours that challenge. Through dedication and perseverance, we worked tirelessly to support him in reintegrating into the community.
“I vividly remember the joy in his eyes when he began venturing out to local supermarkets to pick up his favourite magazine and a snack – a seemingly simple task that symbolised a significant milestone in his journey. As time went on, he continued to flourish, eagerly participating in group activities and outings.
“From enjoying a holiday at Butlins to exploring the wonders of the Brighton Sea Life Centre and marvelling at the Christmas lights in London, his newfound sense of freedom and independence radiated with each experience. Witnessing his growth and happiness has been nothing short of amazing.
“This journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of perseverance, patience, and unwavering support. It’s moments like these that reaffirm the importance of our work and inspire me to continue making a positive difference in the lives of those we support.”
How do you work with family members and relatives?
“Partnership working is a cornerstone of my role at The Grove, recognising the invaluable role that family members play in the care and support of their loved ones. As people grow older, family engagement becomes increasingly important, and we prioritise open communication and collaboration with relatives.
“We maintain regular communication with family members, often discussing their loved one’s health, well-being, and recent activities to ensure they are informed and involved in their care. Families are actively encouraged to contribute to the development of support plans and activity plans, providing valuable insights and perspectives.
“I am committed to alleviating stress from loved ones wherever possible, offering support and guidance on decisions related to advocates and finances. By working closely with families, we can ensure that their concerns are addressed, and their loved ones receive the best possible care and support tailored to their needs and preferences. Together, we strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.”
Hopes for the future?
“Upon joining The Grove in September 2022, I embarked on a journey to enhance and modernise the home environment to better meet the needs of those we support. Now that we have successfully achieved this goal, I am excited to shift our focus towards promoting social inclusion and fostering meaningful relationships.
“My vision for the future involves creating opportunities for individuals to engage with the broader community, participate in social activities, and develop connections with others. One of our upcoming initiatives includes planning a holiday abroad, providing a unique opportunity for individuals to explore new destinations, create lasting memories, and strengthen bonds with their peers.
“I am committed to ensuring that each person we support has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling and enriched life, filled with meaningful experiences and meaningful relationships. Together, we will continue to strive towards creating a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone feels valued, accepted, and empowered to thrive.”
How to you motivate/inspire your team?
“Starting in a new home presented its own set of challenges, but through perseverance and dedication, I took the time to get to know each member of the team individually. Understanding their goals and aspirations allowed me to create a supportive environment where everyone could thrive.
“Since my arrival, I am proud to say that we have achieved significant milestones as a team. Two internal team members have been promoted, demonstrating our commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent from within. Additionally, four team members have enrolled in NVQs in health and social care, showing our dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
“I firmly believe in empowering my team to reach their full potential. By providing opportunities for skill development and increasing responsibilities, I aim to equip them with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles.
“While I may be known for my direct approach, my team would also tell you that I am a passionate advocate for others. I value one-on-one time with team members, whether it’s sharing breakfast together to catch up on personal and professional matters or celebrating their achievements with our employee of the month program.
“Above all, I am deeply grateful for my team and their unwavering dedication. I make it a point to express my gratitude daily because I recognize that their hard work and commitment are essential to our collective success. Without them, none of our accomplishments would be possible, and I am honoured to lead such a talented and dedicated group of individuals.”
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
“Outside of work, I cherish spending quality time with my family, creating lasting memories and enjoying each other’s company. Whether it’s exploring new places, indulging in shopping trips, or simply relaxing at home, every moment together is precious.
“I also find solace in the simple pleasure of getting lost in a good book, allowing my imagination to wander and discover new worlds. Additionally, I love the social aspect of dining out and meeting friends for delicious meals and engaging conversations.
“These activities bring balance to my life, rejuvenating me and allowing me to return to work refreshed and inspired. They remind me of the importance of self-care and nurturing relationships outside of the workplace.”
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