A familiar and trusted face at Alexandra Park

For more than 18 years, Caroline Simm has been a familiar and trusted face at Lifeways’ Alexandra Park supported living service in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. Having started as a Support Worker in 2009 before working her way up to Team Leader, she has witnessed the service grow and flourish for the people who call it home. 

Today, Caroline is proud to be part of a team that is helping people live fuller, more independent lives. 

A place that feels like home 

Alexandra Park is a unique service, made up of individual bungalows and supporting people with a range of needs. Over the years, Caroline has built strong relationships with many of the people it supports, with some having lived at the service almost as long as she has worked there. 

"It's always been about the people for me," said Caroline. "The people we support mean a lot to me. I've seen some of them grow so much over the years and that's incredibly rewarding." 

Her passion for helping others shines through every part of her role. While she stepped into a Team Leader position four years ago, Caroline still enjoys spending time providing direct support and working alongside team members. 

"I wanted to stay hands-on for as long as I could," she said. "Now I have a good balance of supporting people and helping the team. I love being able to share my knowledge with new team members and support them to do their jobs well."

Creating opportunities, building independence 

One of the biggest developments Caroline has seen in recent years is the growing confidence of the people supported at Alexandra Park. 

Working together, the team has focused on finding creative ways to help people achieve greater independence while ensuring they remain safe and supported. 

Simple innovations have helped people access their communities more freely, enjoy activities they love, and make more choices about how they spend their time. Whether that's growing herbs in the garden, taking part in community activities, learning new daily living skills or helping with household tasks, Caroline has seen first-hand how person-centred support can transform confidence. 

"Some of the changes might seem quite small from the outside," she explained. "But when someone starts doing their own laundry, helps unpack the shopping, or begins taking part in activities they wouldn't have joined before, that's huge for that person." 

Today, many people supported at Alexandra Park are spending more time out in their communities, trying new experiences and enjoying greater independence. 

"When the site is quiet, that's a good thing," Caroline laughed. "It means people are out having fun." 

A strong team 

Caroline believes that positive outcomes for the people supported at Alexandra Park have been made possible through a strong, connected staff team. 

As the longest-serving team member at the service, she has played an important role in supporting new team members and building a culture where everyone's contribution is valued. This experience has made her a really trusted and respected member of the team, as Registered Manager Helen Bone summarised: “There is nothing that Caroline doesn't know about Alexandra Park.” 

Caroline says visitors often comment on the welcoming feel of the service, while team members are proud to be part of Alexandra Park and passionate about making a difference every day. 

"We really feel like one team," said Caroline. "Everyone works together, everyone helps each other and the focus is always on what's best for the people we support."  

Making memories together 

Alongside supporting independence, Caroline loves helping create opportunities for people to socialise, celebrate and enjoy new experiences. 

She plays a key role in planning activities across the service, from seasonal celebrations to group events that bring people together. 

An Easter weekend event remains one of her favourite memories. People supported at Alexandra Park came together for fish and chips, arts and crafts, Easter egg hunts and cooking activities in the site's lodge. 

"It was brilliant seeing everyone involved," said Caroline. "People helped prepare the food, joined in the activities and spent time together. Those are the moments that stay with you." 

There have been many special moments throughout her career, from seeing people achieve personal goals to celebrating major milestones in their lives. 

"One person getting their own car was incredible," she recalled. "Seeing the excitement and independence that gave them was amazing."

Looking to the future 

After more than a decade at Alexandra Park, Caroline remains as passionate as ever about the people she supports and is excited about what the future holds for the service. 

“What makes me happiest is seeing people enjoying their lives, making choices and being part of their communities. That's what it's all about,” Caroline said. 

For Caroline, the greatest achievement isn't a title or a length of service. It's knowing that every day she can help people live with more confidence, more independence and more opportunities to do the things that matter most to them.