We continue our Meet the Team series, shining a spotlight on the amazing people who make our homes so special. This time, we’re introducing Mel, our dedicated Maintenance Person at Bramble Down.
1. How did you get started in maintenance, and what led you to work in a care home?
Since leaving school, Mel has always enjoyed hands-on work and has a real eye for detail. She began her career in housekeeping within some of Devon’s largest hotels before joining Bramble Down in 2014, working in the laundry. Before long, her practical nature and love of DIY led her to start supporting the home’s maintenance person — and she’s never looked back.
“My dad and uncle had their own painting business, so I’ve always had a passion for decorating and fixing things,” she says. “I love that I can bring those skills into the home and make a real difference.”
Mel comes from a large family — one of 23 grandchildren — and says being surrounded by people has given her the patience, teamwork, and good humour she brings to work every day.
2. What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day looks a little different for Mel. Throughout the week she plans time for regular compliance checks, decorating projects, and responding to requests from residents and the team.
“There’s always something to do — fixing something, moving furniture, or hanging new artwork. I like helping and keeping everything running smoothly.”
3. Do you have a favourite maintenance task that you particularly enjoy?
Painting and decorating are Mel’s favourite part of the job — she loves seeing the transformation her work creates.
“I’m proud of the recent bedroom makeovers we’ve done, adding feature walls and colour,” she says. “I’m also looking forward to changing the wallpaper in the dining room and helping refurbish one of the lounges. It’s exciting to have some decorating transformations ahead of me!”
4. How do residents respond when they see you working on projects around the home?
Residents and relatives love chatting to Mel as she works.
“They often stop to see what I’m up to — and some share their own DIY tips or funny stories about projects that didn’t go to plan! I love those conversations; they make my day.”
5. What kinds of safety checks do you carry out to keep residents and staff safe?
Mel also plays a key role in keeping everyone safe, carrying out regular checks throughout the home.
“We have a compliance system that records everything — from PAT testing and fire safety checks to equipment and window inspections. It’s a big responsibility, but vital to keeping the home safe. I have had to learn our electronic compliance system from the paper records we used to keep, which has been a lot to learn.”
6. How do you manage juggling multiple jobs in a busy home environment?
Organisation and teamwork are key to Mel’s success.
“I plan my week carefully to balance safety checks and redecoration projects,” she explains.
7. How do you work with other staff to keep everything running well?
Mel says that the team spirit helps to ensure the smooth running of the home.
“Bramble Down is a fun place to work — we’ve got a great team spirit, and I work closely with our central facilities support team and external contractors.”
Mel’s experience also extends across the Peninsula family.
“I’ve helped within other Peninsula homes too — they’re all so different! Some of the older buildings have unique challenges, which keeps the work interesting and varied.”
8. Why would you recommend working as a maintenance person in one of our homes to someone considering the role?
“If you love DIY, helping others, and being organised, this is such a rewarding job,” says Mel. “There’s always a project to work on, and it’s lovely hearing residents say how much they enjoy the improvements.”
