The Northern Lifetime
Case Manager Team
Director, Case Manager, and Expert Witness
I started working as a volunteer with various charities as a teenager, including as a support worker for a company that provided accessible adventure holidays for people with disabilities. Their approach to ‘making it happen whatever anyone’s ability’ struck a chord with me. I later studied occupational therapy and met the most inspirational mentor, Ashleigh Phoenix. Amongst many attributes, she demonstrated the value of compassion and a non–judgemental therapeutic relationship.
I first came across brain injury case management whilst working as qualified occupational therapist, and I saw how it could help people with head injuries who were otherwise being poorly served by other limited or non- specialist services. So began my career in case management. I’m now proud to be flying the flag for case management as an Advanced Practitioner Member of BABICM and have consolidated years of experience as a practitioner and also as a medico legal expert. I love my job and am really proud of the team that have joined co- director Jane and I. I couldn’t hope to work with a nicer group of people, and they are all totally committed to making things happen for our clients.
View my CV here
Back to the top
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.
View my CV here
Back to the top
I left school at 16 for an apprenticeship with BT. After qualifying it dawned on me that perhaps I was better suited working with people rather than arcane technology. I consequently researched healthcare professions and settled on Occupational Therapy. After gathering a few more O Levels (GCEs) and some A Levels I was accepted at York OT School and graduated in 1986.
During my career I have worked in the NHS, Local Government and Voluntary/Third Sector and also as a specialist advisor (Allied Health Professionals) with the Care Quality Commission. I started working in the independent sector as an OT and Expert Witness in 2011 when I established Northern Lifetime.
I find working as a Case Manager/OT very satisfying. The nature of the work with clients requires a true person-centred approach. A good case manager should have the skills and personality to establish rapport with clients as well as the support workers and multi-disciplinary team.
Working with individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries is challenging but making a difference to someone’s independence and quality of life brings its own rewards particularly for those individuals and their families. That to me is the primary goal of case management.
View my CV here
Back to the top
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.
View my CV here
Back to the top
I've worked with people who have brain injuries for 23 years now, and 10 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 most 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.
View my CV here Back to the top
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.
View my CV here Back to the top
I’ve been involved in the care sector for 20 years now. It all began when aged 14 I volunteered for Mencap – amongst other things helping out at the local disco night for members.
I spent some time working as a BACP-registered psychotherapist too, before becoming a brain injury support worker, where I really enjoyed the responsibility, and dealing with smaller issues that might otherwise have been overlooked.
I relished the greater responsibility of being a team leader, something I’ve done for nearly 10 years now, and Case Management is the natural next step.
A good Case Manager I feel is patient and calm, but also efficient and fast-acting, and non-judgemental.
I’m looking forward to the experience of working with a variety of clients, assessing their needs and putting support and rehabilitation in place, plus supporting staff to become confident and effective role-models to clients.
It’s great to see a client settled and happy in suitable accommodation with an effective support team around them. The cherry on that cake though is if the client can be empowered to live as independently as is possible, and work towards their goals helped by the right tools and support.
View my CV here Back to the top
Rebecca Dews
Case Manager
Navigating a complicated personal situation that involved litigation, I experienced firsthand the complexities of the legal system and the impact it can have on individuals and families. This challenging period ignited a deep understanding of the importance of advocacy and support, motivating a transition into case management.
I am now focused on using my unique insight to assist clients who face similar struggles. I work diligently to help individuals and families access necessary resources, from legal support to mental health services, ensuring they are empowered to navigate their circumstances with confidence. My approach allows me to communicate effectively and build strong, trusting relationships with clients.
Supporting clients to achieve their goals, whether related to health, education, housing or employment is extremely important and a rewarding part of the job. The variety of cases and situations keeps the work dynamic and engaging, allowing case managers to continuously learn and grow in their profession.
My first role after qualifying as a Learning Disability Nurse (RNLD) in 2005 was in a Brain Injury Rehabilitation service. 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 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.
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.
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.
View my CV here Back to the top