AN apprenticeship success is being celebrated in a West Somerset care home after a woman who started as an agency assistant became its deputy manager.

Jisna Mariam now works alongside registered manager Lewis Don in Dene Lodge, Bircham Road, Minehead, which specialises in compassionate support for residents with dementia.

She has completed her City and Guilds level four diploma in adult care, marking a significant step in her professional journey and strengthening the home’s leadership team.

Ms Mariam’s qualification, which covered more than 20 modules, including person-centred care, safeguarding, and partnership working, reflects her dedication to delivering compassionate and high-quality care.

Her Dene Lodge journey began three-and-a-half years ago when she first visited the home as an agency care assistant.

She was captivated by the warm atmosphere and the home’s ethos, and joined the team permanently and quickly rose through the ranks.

Ms Mariam said: “I fell in love with the way Dene Lodge treats both residents and staff, with dignity, respect, and genuine care.

“It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful for the support I have received every step of the way.”

Mr Don, who has been with the home since 2023 and completed his level five qualification last year, praised Ms Mariam’s accomplishment and said: “Her passion and professionalism are evident in everything she does.

“This qualification is a testament to her hard work and the values we uphold at Dene Lodge.”

Together, Mr Don and Ms Mariam form one of the most highly qualified residential care management teams in the area, an achievement which underscores Dene Lodge’s commitment to excellence in adult care.

The home continues to invest in staff development, ensuring residents receive the best possible care from a team that is not only experienced but also deeply committed to ongoing learning.