Meet the Northern Lifetime team
Ella Cornforth
Director, Case Manager, and Expert Witness
I discovered voluntary work as a teenager - helping out at a nearby residential home in the West Midlands. I then volunteered as a support worker for a company organising holidays for people with disabilities.
The dedication of the company and its staff in providing an adventurous break whatever a person's ability struck a chord with me.
I came across case management somewhat by accident while an occupational therapist. I saw what case management could do for people with head injuries, but felt they were being poorly served by existing services.
When I was an OT student, I met the most inspirational mentor, Ashleigh Phoenix. Amongst many attributes, she demonstrated the value of compassion and a non-judgemental therapeutic relationship.
So began my career in case management. I'm now a qualified occupational therapist and an Advanced Member of the British Association of Case Managers (BABICM), with years of experience as a practitioner and also as a medico legal expert.
Jane Paige (nee Warren)
Director and Case Manager
I knew I wanted to work with people while at school, and volunteered at a Mencap Gateway Club when I was 16.
I enjoyed connecting with people who thought differently to me - it was great helping their parents get a break and it was fun too.
I then worked for Sheffield Council's disability day service, working with people who had a brain injury.
After attending a course given by two specialist brain injury social workers - Jackie Parker and Jenny Gaber - Jackie became a strong influence and I joined her business.
Backed by in-depth knowledge of brain injury and disability, I believe a good case manager needs to be caring, client-focussed, a near genius multi-skilled multi-tasker, and unphased by new and challenging situations.
Ensuring the best outcome for clients is my core task. However I have also been a consultant on a film focussing on serious head injury, a speaker at conferences, and a trainer of fellow professionals and solicitors.
Terry Mallon
Occupational Therapist and Expert Witness
Early on I worked as a relief porter in a local hospital, which I loved, before becoming a BT engineer. Together they made me realise that working in a healthcare setting, and with people as opposed to tech, was for me.
My epiphany came via a library book that included a chapter on NHS professions. I stumbled on Occupational Therapy (OT) and resolved to enrol on a college course.
After this I worked in Rotherham for an OT manager who was charismatic and plain speaking. She was professional and pragmatic, and represented the profession in a dynamic and assertive manner, which made a big impression on me.
A good OT practitioner needs to be client centred, non-prescriptive and a good problem solver, but really the first rule of OT is to establish a rapport with your client.
My professional mantra is to ask, “Has my input made any difference to the individual’s quality of life?” Yes I give people equipment and adaptations, but I see my role as being much more wider and holistic than that.
Rochelle Marsh
Case Manager
As a student nurse I worked in a hospice looking after patients at the end of life or undergoing palliative care. This sparked my interest in making a difference for the people I work with.
I gravitated towards Case Management so that I could continue with the work I enjoyed. Early on I was told by Kate Marshall, ‘whatever decisions you have to make, always keep the client at the centre’, advice especially helpful at difficult times.
For me, a client reporting that they feel listened to and understood is everything.
I gravitated towards Case Management so that I could continue with the work I enjoyed. Early on I was told by Kate Marshall, ‘whatever decisions you have to make, always keep the client at the centre’, advice especially helpful at difficult times.
For me, a client reporting that they feel listened to and understood is everything.
You need to be a good listener, so the client feels heard and supported. It’s so rewarding when a client achieves a goal and you have been part of assisting them to achieve this.
Case management is so varied - I can be running around a cricket field after a client’s dog one day and attending a serious meeting with a litigation team the next, and everything in between.
Case management is so varied - I can be running around a cricket field after a client’s dog one day and attending a serious meeting with a litigation team the next, and everything in between.
Rachel Blackbourn
Case Manager
I began my career as a Care Support Worker helping adolescents and adults with learning disabilities in the NHS. Here I first came across Occupational Therapy teams and the concept of rehabilitation, and I decided that this was where I wanted to be.
I applied for a role as OT assistant and soon realised that being community based to help clients in their own homes and all areas of their daily life was better for me. So in 2004 I started working as a therapy assistant specialising in brain and spinal injury, and never looked back.
The work is so varied and rewarding that It then seemed a natural progression to become a case manager.
To my mind, striving to see the client safe and happy requires the ability to remain cool, calm and collected at all times. Being adaptable, organised and proactive is vital too - as is always wearing a friendly smile.
For me it’s helping a client work towards reaching their goals - however big or small – that’s my reward, plus passing on knowledge and mentoring to some great Support Workers.
Joanne Cox
Case Manager
I've worked with people who have brain injuries for 19 years now, and six years ago I become a Case Manager.
I started with my working life in court protection, before the opportunity arose for me to transition into Case Management. I'd always been curious about exactly what this would entail and I just knew it was time to take the leap.
For me the best possible outcome in case management is when a client has reached their goals and no longer needs input because they have become Independent.
To do this job well I think that empathy, patience, organisational skills, kindness and a good sense of humour are important.
It's very rewarding to see a client's life change as they become more independent; to watch families engaging with their children; and also when a client who cannot at first see their potential eventually becomes aware of it, and the positive way it changes them.
Case Managers don't have all the answers and we don't get everything right straight away. Sometimes even small steps can take months (if not years), but when a client reaches milestones it encourages them to continue moving forward, and it is worth it in the end.
I started with my working life in court protection, before the opportunity arose for me to transition into Case Management. I'd always been curious about exactly what this would entail and I just knew it was time to take the leap.
For me the best possible outcome in case management is when a client has reached their goals and no longer needs input because they have become Independent.
To do this job well I think that empathy, patience, organisational skills, kindness and a good sense of humour are important.
It's very rewarding to see a client's life change as they become more independent; to watch families engaging with their children; and also when a client who cannot at first see their potential eventually becomes aware of it, and the positive way it changes them.
Case Managers don't have all the answers and we don't get everything right straight away. Sometimes even small steps can take months (if not years), but when a client reaches milestones it encourages them to continue moving forward, and it is worth it in the end.
Victoria Butterell
Case Manager
My first job after graduating from university was as a physiotherapist on a Neurological Rehabilitation Unit. I loved building long-term relationships with patients and their families, and working in a challenging environment that provided endless opportunities to learn.
This led to 20 years of service in the NHS, 18 of which I spent in neurological rehabilitation. Then came an opportunity to transfer my experience and knowledge into Case Management. It gave me the ability to remain working within neurological and complex case rehabilitation, and to continue with the long-term relationships with patients/clients that I so enjoyed.
I find it rewarding to support people in feeling that their lives - though irreversibly changed - can be positive and meaningful again.
A good outcome ranges from having the confidence some years after a brain injury to spend your first night alone at home, to moving back into your own home from long-term residential care.
Above all a Case Manager needs a high level of inter-personal skills, as you are often meeting clients and their families at the worst of times, when they may be grieving or have generally lost trust in professionals. You therefore need to be emotionally resilient and have an ability to multitask - a good sense of humour helps too.
This led to 20 years of service in the NHS, 18 of which I spent in neurological rehabilitation. Then came an opportunity to transfer my experience and knowledge into Case Management. It gave me the ability to remain working within neurological and complex case rehabilitation, and to continue with the long-term relationships with patients/clients that I so enjoyed.
I find it rewarding to support people in feeling that their lives - though irreversibly changed - can be positive and meaningful again.
A good outcome ranges from having the confidence some years after a brain injury to spend your first night alone at home, to moving back into your own home from long-term residential care.
Above all a Case Manager needs a high level of inter-personal skills, as you are often meeting clients and their families at the worst of times, when they may be grieving or have generally lost trust in professionals. You therefore need to be emotionally resilient and have an ability to multitask - a good sense of humour helps too.
Christina Wilks
Associate Case Manager
I had always wanted to be a nurse and to look after and care for people. This led me into domicialiary support work for the elderly, which I enjoyed. I then saw a position advertised for a support worker at a specialist educational college for children with complex needs, and so began working with brain injured children and their parents.
I remember my first day so clearly and knew I had come to the right job.
I was involved in setting up a team and found this bringing a group together and supporting them so appealing. It was like second nature for me. My approach is holistic and this experience taught me a lot about running complex care packages.
I've learnt a lot from colleagues along the way, most notably Akilah Akinola, who is CEO of Outreach community and Residential Services; and Christine Morren, who was the college nurse and really inspired me, not least with her sensitive use of language to promote dignity when supporting a client.
A good case manager needs to be a good listener for sure, and to be empathetic enough to understand how hard things can be for clients, and also for their families. I feel that honesty in managing expectations is extremely important, with both clients and their families, as is supporting parents in a non-judgemental way.
Mark Tucker
Case Manager
My first role after qualifying as a Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD) in 2005 was in a Brain Injury Rehabilitation. I was really interested in the combination of skills required, and in working within a multi-disciplinary team.
A close friend worked as a Case Manager and talking with them steered me towards the role. I liked the idea of supporting individuals through their journeys and working towards their goals. Plus the experience of working with community clinicians and solicitors appealed to me.
A close friend worked as a Case Manager and talking with them steered me towards the role. I liked the idea of supporting individuals through their journeys and working towards their goals. Plus the experience of working with community clinicians and solicitors appealed to me.
A particular line manager had worked as a social worker previously and was a great influence, emphasising the importance of checking in with people in case they may be struggling.
Gemma Bradshaw
Service Manager
I have six years experience as a client assistant and office manager, and enjoy that my role helps improve a client's quality of life.
Having a positive effect on clients gives me great job satisfaction - as does seeing how committed our case managers are to securing the best outcomes for our clients.
Every situation is different too - for some clients being able to leave a bedroom they haven't left for years is a tremendous outcome; for others it is returning to work.
Having a positive effect on clients gives me great job satisfaction - as does seeing how committed our case managers are to securing the best outcomes for our clients.
Every situation is different too - for some clients being able to leave a bedroom they haven't left for years is a tremendous outcome; for others it is returning to work.
Mandy Pinning
Administrative Support Assistant
My career started in the Court of Protection department of a law firm, where I enjoyed working with Case Managers.
I provide some elderly and vulnerable people with support in their homes, with trips to the hospital, shopping, or sometimes just friendly face to talk to.
I enjoy helping individuals and families in lifechanging situations in order for them to get the most out of life. It feels good to be in the Case Management field again, where I can use my experience and skills, plus learn new ones.
I provide some elderly and vulnerable people with support in their homes, with trips to the hospital, shopping, or sometimes just friendly face to talk to.
I enjoy helping individuals and families in lifechanging situations in order for them to get the most out of life. It feels good to be in the Case Management field again, where I can use my experience and skills, plus learn new ones.
I’ve been a secondary school teacher for 31 years, which like care, has been a vocation as much as a job. Seeing the progress that pupils make given clear instruction and support has been extremely rewarding.
My insight into ‘care’ came in 2003 when I gave birth to my daughter, who was starved of oxygen at birth and has cerebral palsy as a consequence. She’s had two very long stays in hospital and we have spent a great deal of time in HDU and ICU where we met a variety of medical professionals.
My daughter has a case manager and we, as a family, have been through the litigation process. I think that wanting the best for my daughter and seeing how the therapy and equipment that she now experiences and owns has inspired me to want to help make a difference for people in a similar situation
We've had to fight for things at times and I hope that my lived experience could be of benefit to others. The ultimate aim is one where a client no longer needs support and can live a full and independent life, however, any positive steps towards this - no matter how small - are a positive outcome.
Having a very small part to play in a role that can mean that a client can live as indepen-dently as possible is the highlight for me.
Taking the time to have a cup of tea with someone may be the difference between them picking up the phone to speak to you or not, when they actually needed you.
No one chooses to be in a situation where a Case Manager has to become involved,
and my focus is on the individual and the expectations they have regarding the outcome.
I feel it’s a privilege that should not be understated to be brought into someone’s life, getting to know them and their family and friends, while building a relationship that works for the betterment of their situation.
Rebecca Dews
Case Manager
I’ve been a secondary school teacher for 31 years, which like care, has been a vocation as much as a job. Seeing the progress that pupils can make given clear instruction, modelling and support has been extremely rewarding.
My insight into ‘care’ came in 2003 when I gave birth to my daughter, who was starved of oxygen at birth and has cerebral palsy as a consequence. She’s had two very long stays in hospital and we have spent a great deal of time in HDU and ICU where we met a variety of medical professionals.
My daughter has a case manager and we, as a family, have been through the litigation process.
My insight into ‘care’ came in 2003 when I gave birth to my daughter, who was starved of oxygen at birth and has cerebral palsy as a consequence. She’s had two very long stays in hospital and we have spent a great deal of time in HDU and ICU where we met a variety of medical professionals.
My daughter has a case manager and we, as a family, have been through the litigation process.
I think that wanting the best for my daughter and seeing how the therapy and equipment that she now experiences and owns has inspired me to want to help make a difference for people in a similar situation
We have had to fight for things at times and I hope that my lived experience could be of benefit to others. I suppose the ultimate aim is one where a client no longer needs support and can live a full and independent life, however, any positive steps towards this, no matter how small, would be a positive outcome.
Having a very small part to play in a role that can mean that a client can live as independently as possible must be the highlight for me.
Having a very small part to play in a role that can mean that a client can live as independently as possible must be the highlight for me.
In a land far away and long ago - well Newcastle in 2011 actually, Occupational Therapist
Terry Mallon
found himself facing adversity.
Out of the blue he tragically lost his job and then his mother in short succession. It led him to reappraise where he was at in his life.
Spurred on by his wife Ella, Terry opted to meet this significant challenge head on, opting to capitalise on his previous work experience and go it alone by forming a new company in the healthcare sector.
So far so good, but what should he call the new venture? A lot can hang on a name of course, and Terry's response in deciding on a name was very personal.
He drew on his musical inspirations. You see Terry was a keen musician - playing gigs here and there since taking up the guitar aged 17 - but he admits the music side of things 'didn't really go anywhere'.
His musical tastes are wide-ranging, though he reserves a special appreciation for meaningful and evocative songs. He's a fan of Roxy Music, XTC and particularly the American four-piece band founded in 1975, Talking Heads.
Few would disagree that perhaps the most evocative of the Talking Heads lyrics appear in the song, 'Once in a Lifetime'.
The track first appeared on the band's 1980 'Remain in the Light' album, but received little acclaim at the time. However, it has since achieved seminal status, having gone on to influence many musicians and be included in numerous lists of the most influential songs of the period.
The lyrics spoke of existential crises to Terry and made him reflect on how fickle and fleeting life can be - something he knew only too well from his work as an occupational therapist.
One moment life can seem sublimely set fair, and yet your very next step can lead to a chain of events that can change everything.
So it's perhaps no surprise that the below lyrics from 'Once in a lifetime's' opening verse particularly chimed with Terry.
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself, "Well... how did I get here?"
Terry is a proud Northerner too - born and bred and currently living in England's northeast. So he decided to call his new company 'Northern Lifetime' and nod to solid northern traits like directness, friendliness and compassion.
They are two simple words when on their own, but put together with conviction and aforethought, and 'Northern Lifetime' conveys real meaning - a personal evocation to meet life's unexpected changes and challenges head on, and to wherever possible make the most of them.
In a land far away and long ago - well Newcastle in 2011 actually, Occupational Therapist
Terry Mallon found himself facing adversity.
Out of the blue he tragically lost his job and then his mother in short succession. It led him to reappraise where he was at in his life.
Spurred on by his wife Ella, Terry opted to meet this significant challenge head on, opting to capitalise on his previous work experience and go it alone by forming a new company in the healthcare sector.
So far so good, but what should he call the new venture? A lot can hang on a name of course, and Terry's response in deciding on a name was very personal.
He drew on his musical inspirations. You see Terry was a keen musician - playing gigs here and there since taking up the guitar aged 17 - but he admits the music side of things 'didn't really go anywhere'.
His musical tastes are wide-ranging, though he reserves a special appreciation for meaningful and evocative songs. He's a fan of Roxy Music, XTC and particularly the American four-piece band founded in 1975, Talking Heads.
Few would disagree that perhaps the most evocative of the Talking Heads lyrics appear in the song, 'Once in a Lifetime'.
The track first appeared on the band's 1980 'Remain in the Light' album, but received little acclaim at the time. However, it has since achieved seminal status, having gone on to influence many musicians and be included in numerous lists of the most influential songs of the period.
The lyrics spoke of existential crises to Terry and made him reflect on how fickle and fleeting life can be - something he knew only too well from his work as an occupational therapist.
One moment life can seem sublimely set fair, and yet your very next step can lead to a chain of events that can change everything.
So it's perhaps no surprise that the below lyrics from 'Once in a lifetime's' opening verse particularly chimed with Terry.
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself, "Well... how did I get here?"
Terry is a proud Northerner too - born and bred and currently living in England's northeast. So he decided to call his new company 'Northern Lifetime' and nod to solid northern traits like directness, friendliness and compassion.
They are two simple words when on their own, but put together with conviction and aforethought, and 'Northern Lifetime' conveys real meaning - a personal evocation to meet life's unexpected changes and challenges head on, and to wherever possible make the most of them.
This Full-Time
role is to support a Northern Lifetime client in her thirties living in Penistone. It requires 36.5 hours per week
assisting our client to live as independently as possible in her own home and in the community.
Our client has a great sense of humour and very varied interests. She plays Boccia at the national level, goes swimming, horse riding and to the gym, and very much enjoys socialising.
Note that female-only GOQ applies. If you wish to apply, please complete the application form and the Equality and Diversity Form below. Applications close 1st of November.
Our client has a great sense of humour and very varied interests. She plays Boccia at the national level, goes swimming, horse riding and to the gym, and very much enjoys socialising.
Note that female-only GOQ applies. If you wish to apply, please complete the application form and the Equality and Diversity Form below. Applications close 1st of November.