Barbara moved from South Africa to Leicester nearly three years ago. The first position she applied for was at Pilgrims’ Friend Society and she started at Evington Home as a carer, later working as a senior carer as well when needed. She has always been involved in various aspects of her home church including with the Christian radio station Cape Community FM (CCFM), as a Sunday school teacher and youth club and youth music leader. She has also enjoyed being a leader and organiser at church camps and working with older people in the church.

Barbara has done mission work with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) around South Africa and in Madagascar. She studied at George Whitefield College (Church of England) where she did a year in theology. Barbara felt the Lord leading her into the ACE Facilitator position to take care of the ministry in the home and to bring all she can offer to the home and greater community.

She worships with her husband at Arnesby Baptist Church.

Dave is a proud Yorkshire man who travelled the world but found Jesus in Norwich at a Billy Graham event. Having started his working life as an artist and graphic designer, he was called into Christian ministry at the age of 21. Dave describes himself as a genuinely shy man who God put on the frontline of service. Roles he has taken on have included Christian Youth Work with YFC, Youth Pastor & Evangelist, Drug & Alcohol Treatment Worker, Youth Advisor and Toilet-roll Maker.

As our Activities & Community Engagement (ACE) Facilitator at Framland, Dave oversees the programme of activities, which includes managing the team of volunteers. He loves working with older people, especially hearing the stories of the amazing lives they have lived.

By his own admission he is someone you will not find on a sports field but rather in the warmth, playing his guitar or reading a book.

A proud father of four and grandfather of 10, he, together with his wife, enjoys the adventure of all that life and world has to reveal.

I started working at Shottermill House in August 2021. I returned to the UK at the end of 2020 as my husband and I felt it was the right time to move back to help our family, having lived in Belgium for 20 years. I worked in metal work, administration and finally ran a childcare facility.

In Belgium I had a busy church life, leading a women’s group and a youth group and participating in the music group with percussion and singing.

As a child I was always drawn to older people – my parents ran a church in Tamworth and encouraged visiting the elderly. For one lady it was to thread needles for her and as an adult I realise that I was keeping her company rather than helping her with her needlework. I believe that God had put me in training to work with more mature members of our society from an early age!

I am delighted that there was a job for me at Shottermill House. I enjoy encouraging people to volunteer and make the monthly activity list, but most of all I love looking for new things to enrich the lives of those living here. I am looking forward to engaging with more churches and with the local community.

Ruth has supported various service users within the care sector throughout her working life; children and families, adults in the community, the elderly, and palliative care in adult and children’s hospices.

Her role here is to oversee all activities provided for our family members, liaising with volunteers, staff and outside agencies to make sure activities reflect the different needs of those living here and giving particular attention to our Christian values and model of care.

Ruth previously worked here as a hummingbird and is pleased to be back in this new role.

Sarah joined Koinonia in November 2022 as a Hummingbird and in March 2023 she started her new role as Activities and Community Engagement Facilitator. Sarah has always been a Christian and has undertaken many different roles in her church life, from junior church to fundraising and organising events.

She enjoys working and spending time with the family members in Koinonia and working with local churches and engaging with the local community to enhance the spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing of the Koinonia family.

In her spare time Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and visiting antiques and vintage fairs.

Simon had been teaching music for over 20 years before joining Finborough Court, but it was time to have a change. He enjoys the fun and creativity of the role, especially being able to play the piano for the devotions and services, or a sing along. For him, the time with family members is very special.

Simon has a wife and two girls who keep them busy. Of his hobbies he says, "I have more interests than time to do them."

Susan was born and brought up in Geneva, Switzerland and came to the UK in 1989. After working for many years as a vet, she became a foster parent, then moved into a role as a teaching assistant working with those with special needs. She has also spent time as a hospital chaplain.

As Activities & Community Engagement (ACE) Facilitator for Milward House, Susan organises and coordinates activities across the home for groups and individuals to enhance spiritual, social, mental and physical wellbeing. This includes managing a team of volunteers who support activities.

Susan shared a little bit more about her background and passion for this role in an interview with us. Read it here