I have dedicated my career to supporting adults and children with learning and physical disabilities, a journey that began in 1979 when I volunteered at Northgate Hospital while still in school. This early experience ignited a lifelong passion for care and advocacy, shaping my commitment to making a real difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

In April 1993, I joined Azure as a volunteer, drawn by the Charity’s strong ethos and its unwavering commitment to ensuring that every client we support has the same opportunities, lifestyle choices, and experiences as anyone else. This mission deeply resonated with me, and it remains my primary motivation to this day.

Each day, I look forward to coming to work, where I find immense joy in encouraging and supporting both clients and colleagues to explore new opportunities and experiences. Witnessing their successes, no matter how big or small, is truly rewarding. In 1994, I was offered a position as a Support Worker’s Assistant within the Supported Housing team at Keele Drive. Over the next four years, I embraced the challenges of working as a Key Worker, finding great satisfaction in knowing that our efforts were making a meaningful impact on our clients’ quality of life. I frequently accompanied clients on holidays, determined to help them experience everything life had to offer—and they certainly did!

Since joining Azure, I have had the invaluable opportunity to work in various roles that have enriched my understanding of how best to support adults with learning disabilities. In 1998, I transitioned to Azure’s Community Access and Enabling department, which provides community-based support to clients across Northumberland, Newcastle, and South Tyneside. I was promoted to Team Leader in 2001, where my passion for working with individuals with disabilities led me to become a Training Assessor and External Verifier for City and Guilds. Witnessing clients and colleagues achieve their goals, no matter how small, is the most gratifying feeling. In 2007, this passion was recognised when I was honoured with a national training award.

In 2006, I took on the role of Supported Housing Manager, overseeing services in Cramlington and the Community Access Department. In this capacity, I worked closely with clients, families, Care Managers, Community Nurses, and Commissioners to ensure that our services not only met but exceeded expectations. I also became a Registered Manager with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for Keele Drive, a role that allowed me to further strengthen the quality of care provided within our service in Cramlington.

By 2012, I had progressed to Senior Manager, responsible for Support Services across North, South, and East Northumberland, as well as Community Access services throughout Northumberland, Newcastle, and North Tyneside. This role deepened my experience in strategic planning and operational management, allowing me to implement initiatives that enhanced service delivery and client outcomes.

In 2018, I was honoured to accept the position of Support Services Director at Azure, assuming direct responsibility for all services and staff across Northumberland, Sunderland, Newcastle, and Tynedale. While I continue to be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), I now serve as the nominated individual for all services rather than as the Registered Manager for Keele Drive. This transition has allowed me to oversee broader operational strategies while ensuring that our clients continue to receive the highest quality of care.

Azure has since rebranded as Azure Charitable Foundation, a change that reflects its growing mission and expanding services. One of the most exciting developments has been the introduction of an education department dedicated to learners aged 16 to 24. This initiative is particularly close to my heart, as it provides young people with learning disabilities the opportunity to develop essential skills, gain confidence, and prepare for their futures. Seeing the enthusiasm and determination of these learners has reinvigorated my own passion for education and empowerment. Watching them grow, achieve, and transition into adulthood with newfound independence is truly inspiring.

Despite my leadership responsibilities, I have never lost sight of why I chose a career in care. It is my passion. There is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with clients—sharing a coffee, having a chat, or dancing the night away at our monthly ‘Boogie Nights’ event in Cramlington (and no, it has nothing to do with the film of the same name!). These moments remind me of the true essence of care: connection, joy, and shared experiences.

At Azure Charitable Foundation, our mission is clear: to improve the lives of people who are disabled or disadvantaged. As a single mother working at Azure, I have personally experienced the Charity’s support and encouragement, which has enabled me to pursue my own goals in life. I firmly believe that our mission statement extends not just to our clients but to its staff as well.

Throughout my career, I have had—and continue to have—the privilege of working alongside clients, their families, dedicated colleagues, and committed Commissioners to ensure that the support we provide goes above and beyond expectations. Working in care is not without its challenges, as anyone in this field knows. However, if I were to look back and ask myself whether I would change anything, my answer would be a resounding no.

Every day presents new opportunities, new challenges, and new chances for growth. It is this ever-evolving nature of the work that makes it so fulfilling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of those we support.

Telephone: 0191 4191867

Naomi possesses over a decade of experience in the adult social care sector, having worked in Residential Care Homes and Supported Living services. She has supported individuals with various needs, including elderly/dementia care, learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs, including behaviours that may present challenges.

For a span of two years, Naomi served as the Registered Manager of an autism specialist service in Nottinghamshire, catering to younger adults with complex needs and challenging behaviours. She then relocated to the North East in October 2021 with her family.

Naomi is well-versed in change management, with a track record of implementing electronic care management systems in previous roles. In her initial position at Azure, she leveraged this expertise to assess and ultimately replace existing systems, leading to improved efficiencies, enhanced quality assurance, and cost-effectiveness for the organization. Naomi played a pivotal role in overseeing the implementation and rollout of these new systems, taking the lead in their development across all three Support Services areas.

In May 2023, Naomi assumed the role of Associate Director for the Washington services, also taking on the responsibilities of Registered Manager for the service. She played a significant role in the transformation of the Washington services, transitioning them from “Accommodation providing nursing care” to a “Supported Living” service. Naomi is actively nurturing Azure’s partnership with Sunderland City Council as she seeks to expand the Supported Living portfolio in this region, working closely with the Support Services Director.

Since joining Azure, Naomi has completed to name but a few her Level 5 in Leadership and Management and has taken on additional responsibilities in training across Support Services, particularly in Safe Wheelchair Use (Level 3), Manual Handling (Level 4), and NAPPI (Level 1). She holds training qualifications in all three areas and, in conjunction with her role as Associate Director, will continue to deliver training in these domains.