We recently caught up with Karen Brown as she celebrated an incredible 20 years of service with the organisation.

Having joined Bramshaw House in 2006, Karen has built strong relationships with the people she supports and colleagues across the South East. Throughout her career, she has witnessed many changes, celebrated countless achievements, and created lasting memories.

In this Q&A, Karen reflects on her 20-year journey, sharing her favourite memories, the lessons she’s learned, and what continues to inspire her every day.

 

Hi Karen! Can you tell us about when you first joined Liaise, what role did you start in, and what are your strongest memories from those early days?

I have worked in health and social care for 33 years, and I joined the company in 2006, when Bramshaw was part of Progress Housing.

I remember those first few weeks as a time of real learning and connection: getting to know the team, understanding the routines of the home, and beginning to build relationships with the people we support. From the very beginning, it was clear that Bramshaw was much more than a workplace, it was, and still is, a home.

The people we support have always been involved in all aspects of life here, and that sense of belonging has remained at the heart of Bramshaw over the years. Six people moved in when the home opened, and five of them are still living here today, which feels incredibly special.

Since then, I have seen the organisation grow, change and strengthen, from Progress Housing to Sequence Care and now Liaise. It has been a privilege to be part of that journey and to watch Bramshaw continue to be a place where people feel known, valued and at home.

 

You’ve dedicated over 30 years to supporting people in social care. What has kept you motivated and passionate about the work throughout your career?

What has kept me working in social care is, without question, the people we support. They continue to inspire me, make me smile, and remind me why this work matters. They challenge me in the best way to keep learning, to keep listening, and to do my very best for them every day. I feel proud of the way they want to be involved in everything we do, and I love seeing their confidence grow when they try something new.

 

Really powerful. Looking back over the last 20 years at Liaise, what moments or achievements stand out as your favourites?

I have so many favourite memories, but one that will always stay with me is organising the first sports day for the region after Covid. After such a difficult and uncertain time, seeing everyone come together again, laughing, taking part and enjoying the day, was incredibly moving.

Bramshaw has always been such a social and welcoming home, and I love seeing the warmth that people feel when they visit, whether for an event or simply to pop in. The people who live here and the staff team all bring that welcoming spirit to life. I am also incredibly proud of the staff team for being awarded the West Sussex accolade for Highly Commended Team in 2023. It meant so much because it recognised the dedication, kindness and hard work they show every day.

 

What’s the biggest lesson you have learned during your career?

The biggest lessons I have learned have come from the people we support. They have taught me the importance of patience, understanding and seeing the person first. I have learned so much from the way they face challenges, communicate in their own ways, and show us how they like to be supported. Over the years, I have learned to adapt, to be flexible, and to keep looking for ways to make things possible. No two days are ever the same, and that is part of what makes this work so meaningful and rewarding.

 

So, what advice would you give to someone starting their career at Liaise or thinking about becoming a manager?

My advice to anyone starting their career at Liaise, or thinking about becoming a manager, would be to listen first. Take time to listen to the people we support, to staff and to families, because they all have something valuable to teach you. Get involved, work alongside your team, and really get to know the people who live in the home. Being present, approachable and consistent makes such a difference. The role can be challenging, but it is also full of moments that remind you why you chose to do this work.

 

Finally, what are you looking forward to over the next few years?

I am looking forward to continuing to develop staff and supporting them to reach their full potential. It is always rewarding to see people grow in confidence and recognise what they are capable of.

Most of all, I want to continue supporting the people living at Bramshaw to achieve their goals, enjoy new experiences and feel truly valued. My hope is that Bramshaw continues to be a place where people feel involved, respected and completely at home.

 

 

A huge thank you to Karen for taking the time to share her story and reflect on her incredible 20-year journey in social care.

Karen’s dedication, compassion and commitment have made a lasting difference to the lives of the people she has supported, as well as to the colleagues she has worked alongside. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has contributed over the years and are proud to celebrate this remarkable milestone.

Congratulations once again, Karen, on reaching 20 years of service. Here’s to many more achievements and happy memories ahead!