Pineapple Care is a family run Care and Support Agency registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Having spent years working for and with large organisations and local authorities, Lavena Babbs, the Managing Director, decided that it was the right time to fulfil her lifetime ambition of starting her own care business. All three Directors have been working in the Domiciliary care / support sector at senior management level for over 10 years. Pineapple Care prides itself in supplying care and support workers to people living in the community and to those in residential and day care settings. Our aim is to help and assist service users in and outside of their own home, as safely and independently as possible, and with respect to every individual’s choice, well-being, privacy, and dignity, cultural, ethnic and religious beliefs.
Our objectives are to deliver our services in line with current legislation and the expectations of individuals, local authorities, our own and other relevant parties wherever possible. We are subject to regular inspections including announced and unannounced visits and must demonstrate our competence in providing a safe, professional and quality service at all times. A copy of our statement of purpose can be found displayed at our office and on our website; alternatively you can request a copy via e-mail or post.
Pineapple Care are committed to providing a high quality service and will always welcome any feedback or comments on the service we provide. We understand that receiving care and support, particularly for the first time, may be an overwhelming experience and cause anxieties to some service user groups. The service user guide is intended to provide you with an outline of what you may expect from us, and the service we provide.
Managing Director – Lavena Babbs
Lavena has a vast amount of knowledge and experience within the care / support industry holding senior positions within the private sector and local authority.
Lavena started her career as a care / support worker, supporting older adults needing personal care, and working with younger adults with autism, and learning disabilities. Lavena achieved her Registered Manager’s status in 2006, and has since utilised her knowledge and skills to support and manage other Registered Managers at Senior Area Manager Level across Essex. During her career, Lavena has also managed services specialising in autism and learning disabilities.
Lavena will be working on a day to day basis with Nicola, to maintain high standards of care and support, and is ideally suited to this role having a wealth of experience in both care and general business management. Lavena has also owned her own recruitment business, and is passionate and enthusiastic about ensuring Pineapple Care Services delivers extremely high standards of care.
Tel: 01375 808303
email: lavena@pineapple.care
Operations Director – Nicola Lloyd
Nicola has worked in the care industry since 2005. Nicola has experience in working in various departments covering all aspects of care and delivery of support. Nicola has an excellent reputation working in partnership with local authorities and other professionals. Nicola has held various roles including being a senior care team manager within a large provider of care, and also working part time within a local authority. Nicola is passionate about delivering a high standard of care and support, whilst also ensuring that our staff feel valued and supported.
Nicola will be working along side the Managing Director and the Commercial & Finance Director, both of whom have a vast amount of Senior Management experience and knowledge within the Care industry, general business and also the local area where care and support is being provided.
Tel: 01375 803338
email: nicola@pineapple.care
Branch Manager – Lisa Evans
Lisa has joined the Pineapple Care team as a carer in October 2017. She has brought in a wealth of experience having started her career in care in late 1990’s. Since being part of Pineapple Care Lisa has completed further qualification, achieving Level 5 Diploma In Leadership For Health & Social Care.
Lisa takes great pride and enjoyment in supporting the care team and Pineapple Care clients. She is passionate about assisting carers in achieving their goals and reaching their full potential.
Lisa says: I love my job at Pineapple Care. Lavena has been a great mentor to me, she has helped me reach my dream in becoming a manager in domiciliary care. I like to be involved with clients and their family members and making a difference to their lives.
Tel: 01375 803339
email: lisa@pineapple.care
Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager – Trudi Mayes
Trudi commenced employment with Pineapple Care at the end of March 2021, having worked in management since year 2000 in a range of industries like transport, housing and the NHS. Trudi has been a vital member of staff responsible for managing attendance, appraisals, supervisions and probations. Trudi is also responsible for reviewing and updating policies and procedures and since January 2022 has been heading the recruitment programme and HR department for Pineapple Care.
Trudi says: ‘I am committed and thrive on delivering excellence and the very best service to our clients and colleagues.
Tel: 01375 803334
email: trudi@pineapple.care
Deputy Manager and Medication Officer – Hayley Gray
Hayley joined Pineapple Care in October 2021 as the Medication Officer after working in the care sector for over 20 years. Hayley started her career as a Home Care Worker and held various roles since, including at management level. Hayley also gained knowledge through further distance learning such as Dementia awareness, Medication Awareness, fall prevention and managing behaviour that is challenging. Hayley has a variety of qualifications and experience and believes in supporting clients as well as the carers is the only way to provide the best service.
Hayley cannot speak highly of the service, dedication and support that Pineapple Care gives to their customers and the carers within this industry.
Tel: 01375 808999
email: hayley.taylor@pineapple.care
Coordinating Team Leader – Paris Shovlar
Paris joined Pineapple care in 2017 as a care worker. It was quickly identified that Paris had the ability to build great relationships with service users and staff to which she was appointed to the position of care coordinator. Paris has been successful in this role for the last three and a half years, achieving promotion in December 2022 to coordinating Team Leader.
Paris says: I love making sure our clients and carers feel safe and supported, while working for Pineapple Care I have gained self-confidence, and the ability to be honest about how I really feel. I have been able to achieve this with the support of my work colleagues and management team. I am looking forward being a part of Pineapple Care as we grow even more in 2023.
Tel: 01375 803336
email: coordinators@pineapple.care
Team Specialist for Learning Disabilities Team – Lucy Champion
Lucy has joined our Pineapple Care team in April 2022 as a Learning Support Assistant and with her came her positive attitude, enthusiasm and passion for our clients and their families as well as 11 years of experience assisting SEN children and young adults.
In December 2022 Lucy has been promoted to the role of Team Specialist, assisting clients with Learning Disabilities and ensuring we employ the best Learning Support Assistants for our clients. Lucy’s new role involves working with families and students to build their self esteem and bringing families together by inclusion.
Lucy says: ‘I am passionate and committed to making a difference to people’s lives. I thrive in seeing individuals with learning disabilities grow and transform their lives to a more independent one. I am truly excited for my future at Pineapple Care’
Tel: 01375 803337
email: lucy@pineapple.care