Meet the Team: Anne-Marie – The Caring Crocheter with a Punch
Meet Anne-Marie, our Care Leader at Home Instead in Chichester.
At Home Instead, we’re proud to have a team filled with compassionate, talented individuals who go above and beyond every day. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to one of those wonderful people — Anne-Marie, our Care Leader at Home Instead in Chichester.
With nearly a decade of experience in the care industry, Annemarie brings not only skill and dedication to her role but also a huge heart, a punchy left hook (more on that in a moment), and a deep commitment to making a difference.
From Kitchen to Care
Anne-Marie’s journey into the world of care began in 2015 when her son was just nine months old. Looking for a role that could balance with motherhood, she started working at a residential care home near her house. It wasn’t long before her natural talent and warmth shone through — and she quickly progressed into senior roles.
Before care, Anne-Marie worked in a kitchen and then as a school escort for children with disabilities. Those early roles laid the foundation for her incredible ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
Leading with Heart
Today, Anne-Marie is a Care Leader — a role she modestly describes as “not quite managerial, but on par with it.” She is part of the team that oversees both clients and care professionals at Home Instead, and she absolutely thrives in this position.
Her day-to-day includes checking in on clients through service reviews, completing audits, staying on top of care events and emails, and ensuring care professionals are supported and thriving. For Anne-Marie, the best part of the job is putting faces to the names she used to know only through care plans — truly getting to know the people she supports.
She describes the atmosphere at Home Instead as “amazing” and is constantly inspired by the dedication and warmth of her colleagues.
Family, Fitness & (Teddy) Bears
Outside of work, Anne-Marie is fun, outgoing, and fiercely family oriented. She loves nothing more than spending time with her son, who recently turned 11 — even if she admits that family life, like most things, comes with its moments of chaos!
But here’s where things get really interesting: Anne-Marie is also a Level One England Boxing Coach at a boxing club in Chichester. That’s right — caring by day, coaching by night. She may have slowed down a bit from her martial arts days, but we wouldn’t recommend challenging her to a sparring match!
And when she’s not boxing? She’s crocheting — yes, really. Anne-Marie is a skilled crocheter, and her most recent project was particularly touching: two handmade teddy bears crafted in memory of a friend’s brother, who passed away in December. She recreated the cherished childhood bear, “No-neck,” using her own custom pattern — a beautiful act of love and creativity.
A Passion for People
What fuels Anne-Marie? The chance to make a real difference.
She believes in the power of person-centred care and is passionate about giving older adults the support, dignity, and kindness they deserve — something she notes wasn’t always available in the past.
Her care philosophy is simple and powerful: “You get what you’re given so make the most of it” Paired with her favourite quote — “It is what it is” — it’s clear that Anne-Marie brings a calm, grounded energy to everything she does.
The Heart of Our Team
Anne-Marie describes herself as shy at first, but once you get to know her, you’re met with a fun, friendly, and passionate individual who truly lives and breathes the values of care.
We’re incredibly lucky to have her as part of our team — leading with empathy, inspiring with her passion, and yes… occasionally throwing a mean left hook!
