This month, we celebrate an incredible milestone: 15 years of service from our Registered Care Manager, Sarah Armstrong. Sarah has been part of Bluebird Care Stevenage & North Herts from the very beginning, joining in 2010 when the team was only a handful of people. Today, she remains at the heart of our service—leading with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to quality.
We sat down with Sarah to reflect on her journey, the evolution of care, and what continues to inspire her after all these years.
What do you remember most about your early days with Bluebird Care?
“When I first started with Bluebird Care, there was Sarb the Director, a Care Manager, and four carers—including myself. We were a very small team, and I was delivering care on a daily basis. It was truly hands-on, and everyone supported each other.”
Sarah’s passion for supporting people has always been rooted in wanting others to remain independent, comfortable, and safe in their own homes—a value that still drives her today.
How has your role changed since the beginning?
“From starting as a carer, my role has grown alongside the company. It’s been 15 years of hard work, determination, and teamwork. I’m proud of how far we’ve come.”
What changes have you seen in the sector?
“Over the last 15 years, the care sector has grown enormously. There are a lot more agencies in our area now.”
How has Bluebird Care grown during your time?
“We’ve grown steadily while staying focused on one thing: quality over quantity. That’s always been my motto.”
From starting with just six customers in 2010, Bluebird Care Stevenage & North Herts now supports 78 customers with a team of 32 carers—growth driven by reputation, relationships, and consistent standards.
What improvements have made the biggest difference?
“We now have our own in-house trainer. New carers complete a five-day induction, shadow for a week with a senior carer, and receive weekly support throughout their 12-week probation. Annual mandatory refresher training is done face-to-face in our training room.”
What’s most important in delivering high-quality care at home?
“We always carry out full assessments and invite family members. The care package is tailored around the individual’s needs, and they have full input. Respect and dignity are central.”
Sarah explains that every care plan reflects physical, mental, emotional, and social needs. Equality, diversity, and fairness guide every decision.
Why is home care so special?
“To enable individuals to remain safely in their forever home—that’s what I wish for everyone. Familiarity, security, and feeling safe mean everything.”
What do you enjoy most about leading your team?
“I’ve never looked at my role as an individual one. Without my amazing carers and brilliant office team, we wouldn’t have grown the way we have.”
Sarah is known for her open-door policy—and more than that, her willingness to get involved.
“My office door is always open. I still carry out care visits, assessments, customer reviews, and support families. I’m always at the end of the phone.”
What makes a great carer today?
Compassion, reliability, respect, and a true commitment to helping others thrive at home.
What are you most proud of?
“I’m proud to have been part of our success from the very beginning and of the strong working relationships we’ve built with GPs, District Nurses, Social Workers and more.”
Is there a story that has stayed with you?
Sarah shared a deeply personal and emotional memory from 2017 while caring for a palliative customer—a relationship built on trust, compassion, and shared love for Robbie Williams. The customer’s favourite song was Angels, which was played at her funeral.
This experience, Sarah says, is a reminder of the privilege of caring for someone at the end of their life.
“She was poorly, but her determination and strength were so courageous. I’ll never forget her.”
What do you hope for the future?
“I will continue to support all my carers, families and my team. I hope our Bluebird Care reputation continues to grow.”
Sarah sees the future of home care as one that continues to champion independence, quality, and personalised support—values she has embodied for 15 years.
A Remarkable 15 Years
Sarah’s leadership, heart, and dedication have shaped Bluebird Care Stevenage & North Herts into what it is today. She has helped build a service rooted in compassion and trust, and we are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with her.
Thank you, Sarah, for 15 years of exceptional care.
Here’s to many more.
