Gemma Eades

With 8 years of dedicated service in the Health and Social Care Sector, I am fueled by a profound passion for the industry and a commitment to its continual progression. My journey commenced with an 8-year tenure in fast-food retail, where I assumed the role of Shift Manager. However, during my maternity leave, I took the opportunity to reevaluate my career options, leading me to a transformative encounter with Chris Platt. Balancing both roles for a brief period, it became evident that health and social care was my true calling.

Throughout my tenure, I have engaged with a diverse range of residents, managing individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and complex behaviors, including instances of self-harm. My roles have spanned from Senior Support Worker during night shifts to managing Supported Living during the day. Thriving on autonomy, I effectively ran a supported house, propelling my progression within the organisation.

Over the course of 8 years, I've amassed various qualifications, completed training programs, and earned my Care Certificate. My recent promotion to Registered Manager at Cedar Health and Wellbeing reflects my ongoing commitment to professional growth, currently manifested in my completion of my Level 5 qualification.

My introduction to Chris Platt in 2015 marked the beginning of a steadfast belief in his visions for residential care. This journey has seen me evolve from a Team Leader to Deputy Manager, culminating in my current role as the Service Manager for Holly House.

Participating in Cedar's journey excites me, foreseeing not just organisational growth but abundant opportunities for my personal development. My enthusiasm lies in contributing to Cedar's growth and development. Working with complex individuals brings me immense satisfaction, as I witness their growth and collaborate with teams to implement proactive strategies based on behavioral data analysis.

My extensive experience encompasses supporting individuals through their transitional phases at Cedar, engaging in all facets of support, from initial meet-and-greets to frontline assistance. Creating positive relationships has been a cornerstone of my Cedar experience, and I relish working within a close-knit team to empower individuals who have faced challenging situations to achieve their potential and goals.

In my capacity as Registered Manager, my management and leadership approach revolve around creating a collaborative and inclusive environment. Recognising the unique strengths and talents of both staff and residents is foundational to my leadership philosophy. Through effective team management, I ensure that Holly House operates not merely as a residence but as a community thriving on individual growth and collective well-being.