Meet the team

Karina Corden, Owner of Bluebird Care Wandsworth, Clapham & Streatham says,

Like many people, I switched my career to Health & Social Care after a member of my family had a very poor experience.  In this case, it was my grandparent who was in a care home.  My initial career started in solar energy design back home in Yorkshire but now I couldn't imagine working in any other sector. 

I moved to London with my partner and joined a small complex care company initially as a Field Care Supervisor and then Area Care Manager.  By studying independently at the same time, I ultimately achieved my goal to become a Registered Care Manager.

I feel lucky to have supported the people we care for across all levels from delivering care myself to operational management.   This has given me a huge insight and appreciation for the hard work our carers carry out on a daily basis, and the support our customers need to remain comfortable and safe in their own homes.

Living locally in Putney, I love the fantastic reputation Bluebird Care have and it’s a privilege to lead such a successful team.

A mum with 2 young daughters I initially joined the team as a part time administrator and then from there I was head of recruitment.  I’ve grown with this family company as my girls have grown up and I am now full time Business Manager. 

I’m still very much involved with our wonderful carers – many of whom have been with us for many years now– and I love seeing the journey they each take from the day they start working for us. 

I am also the person who speaks to those enquiring about our service, a role I take incredibly seriously.

I was once that person not knowing where to start and needing help for my own mum and I know just how scary and confusing the whole process can be.  I don’t want anyone to feel as overwhelmed as I did and so it’s a very personal thing for me that I give the very best advice I can. 

It’s a privilege to do what I do.

My interest in care began at school where I studied Health and Social Care.  After continuing on to college and completing my NVQs, I began working in a care home. It didn’t take long to realise that working with people in a care home wasn’t for me – they should be in their own home. 

My great-grandmother unfortunately had a bad experience of care, and this made me want to prove that not all care is of a poor standard.  I began working as a carer for Bluebird Care and worked my way up.  I certainly feel I am fulfilling my ambition.  I am really proud of the work that we all do here and we are most certainly proving to people that high quality care is out there. 

I'm now Customer Services Manager. It’s hugely rewarding making such a difference to others.  I truly enjoy my work, and am thankful to Bluebird Care for allowing me to do what I love.

I had worked in retail for some years when my son had an accident and needed my help, and that was when I realised I'd been in the wrong profession all along!

I have been with Bluebird Care for some years now and initially started as a Carer and then worked my way up.  Making a difference to someone's life is just so rewarding and you get to meet the most interesting and wonderful  characters.  It's all about  people which I love.

As Care Supervisor, I lead our Bluebird Care rapid response Home from Hospital discharge service, working with the CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group).  I go out and assess the needs of the person leaving hospital and ensure everything is ready for them to come home and start their road to recovery with us.  I love it!  

This part of my work  as a Care Supervisor is all about teamwork with my beautiful bluebirdcare  family.

Organisation is always challenging but every day is different.

Just to know l can make someone happy by getting them back into their own environment and see them with a smile on their face means l have done my job well.

Bio to follow shortly