When I joined Nannies 4 Grannies in January 2017, I had come from a large Japanese Corporate company which I had been at for 30 years.

I had worked in an NHS environment before this, with British Nursing Association, so was aware of all aspects of care and I had enjoyed it.

I had also cared for parents and then a very poorly aunt, so I knew what to expect, or I thought I did.

It all seemed very simple at N4G: a little light housekeeping, companionship, shopping, accompanying clients to hospital or doctor's appointments, and even coffee at local garden centres, with no hands-on personal care.

How far from the truth that assumption was. Although we don't provide personal care, the role is incredibly personal. Supporting people, listening to their stories, building meaningful relationships, and helping them remain independent has become the most rewarding and wonderful experience of my working life.

I joined when life was normal and there was no masks and distancing, so when one of your lovely clients was in need of comfort or a hand holding moment, you could oblige with no rule breaking.

Just before Christmas 2018 one lovely couple that I had supported from joining N4G had to go into a home, they were dedicated to each other, Mr B suffered from Parkinson’s and Mrs B had dementia and later was diagnosed with lung cancer, they stayed at home for as long as possible with our support. I had attended all Mrs B’s hospital appointments with her right to the terminal diagnosis, she was very important to me as she was to Mr B who was immobile and could not come.

The morning Mrs B left us, I was with her to hold her hand, it was an honour and a great comfort to Mr B that I was with her when he couldn’t be.

This was just one example of the relationships I have built with clients and their families; it has been a real honour to share a part of their lives and be with them toward the end offering the ultimate in ‘personal care’.

Covid was a special time for me when we suddenly became the only family some of our wonderful ladies and gents had, working 7 days a week keeping them safe, cooking meals, being their only contact with the outside world. I felt very scared the first morning stepping out and being the only car on the road for most of the journey and those first trips to the shops getting 3 different people’s groceries was very strange.

It was so rewarding and made you feel proud at the end of it all when the families said, ‘we do not know how we would have got through this without Nannies 4 Grannies.’

I have never worked with such a caring group of people; it is hard to believe it is a business.

No one group of people could be more vocational and loving. I’m really proud to call myself a Nannies 4 Grannies member of Staff.

I worked as a midwife for many years, and took a career break to care for my mother, who had Parkinson’s and dementia.

After mum passed away, I went on to care for my dad, until he, too, passed in 2021.

Suddenly I felt I’d lost my sense of purpose. I wanted to return to the workforce, but midwifery would have meant months of retraining. I knew I was good at caring for people, but I’d had enough of wiping bottoms! (Can I say that?!)

Someone suggested Nannies 4 Grannies, they’re unique in that they offer companionship and taking people out, as well as the more basic tasks like shopping, cooking and cleaning. I called them up, and here I am, 3 years later, part of the team!

It’s a brilliant job. It can sometimes seem like hard work when you’re rushing around shopping on a hot day, but other times, sitting having a cup of tea and a chat hardly seems like working does it!

When I’m not working, I’m generally caring for my crew of disabled wild hedgehogs. As a long time volunteer for London Colney Hedgehog Rescue, I’ve had many prickly customers pass through my hands!

Before my previous role, I was a carer in the community for over 8 years. During this time, I supported both young and older adults with varied health conditions, as well as supporting people with dementia.

My previous role was as a personal assistant to a family for 15 years; the last 6 months of which was as a live-in carer. When this sadly ended, a friend of mine suggested contacting Nannies4Grannies as one of her friends had them in every day for companionship.

I contacted Kay, and we had a wonderful chat about what N4G did and how this aligned with what I was experienced in and was looking to continue. I was so happy when Kay confirmed that I had become a nanny!

I have always enjoyed working with people and going that extra mile. I get great satisfaction knowing that I have managed to help someone enjoy their day, whether it is by having a chat and a cuppa, cooking a meal, or accompanying them on an outing.

I am fortunate to be working with a great team of nannies and to be supported by the admin staff who are there to advise and assist when needed. I have been working with N4G for two years now and I am still loving every day.

I’m Anna, I'm  63 and live in Luton, where I have lived for 38 years. I was born to Italian parents and have two children. I would describe myself as kind, helpful and empathetic, and outside of work I enjoy cooking, long walks, gardening, entertaining, and spending time with my family.

My mother-in-law inspired me to become a Nannie, and I also cared for both of my parents. Looking after them taught me a lot about their needs, certain medications, and the importance of supporting someone through both the good days and the difficult ones. These experiences have shaped the patience, honesty, and empathy I bring to the families I support.

What I enjoy most about being a Nannie is being helpful and providing companionship. I love getting to know clients, hearing their stories and seeing them smile or laugh. One of my favourite things is seeing a client’s smile when they answer the door because it is lovely to know they are happy to see me.

I believe kindness, empathy and understanding are essential qualities in a Nannie. When I meet a new client, I build trust by being honest and taking time to get to know them. When supporting someone’s independence, I think encouragement is key - helping people to do things for themselves while being there when they need support.

I am happy to share whatever activities a client enjoys, whether that is a chat and a cup of tea or getting out and about together.

Living locally for so many years gives me a sense of familiarity with the area and helps me understand what clients may enjoy doing.

One especially memorable moment was turning tears into laughter with one of my clients. Moments like that remind me how much difference companionship, kindness and a sense of humour can make.

I enjoy working with Nannies 4 Grannies because of the clients and their stories. It is wonderful to be able to support people in my own community, and I would describe being a Nannie as a very rewarding job.