Meet the people behind Almost Family

Mark

Mark founded Almost Family in 2007, inspired in part by his experience supporting people with spinal injuries while he was a student. That experience stayed with him and shaped his belief that good support is about far more than completing a list of tasks — it is about trust, companionship and helping someone continue living life on their own terms.

He leads the overall direction of Almost Family and takes a practical, hands-on approach to the business. He believes support should feel personal rather than corporate, beginning with taking the time to understand each person and finding a companion with whom they feel genuinely comfortable and have something in common.

Mark remains closely involved in developing services across Surrey, West Sussex and Oxfordshire, while making sure that, as Almost Family grows, it retains the personal standards and values on which it was founded.

Outside work, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, keeping active and getting out on his motorcycle whenever he can.

Andy

Andy brings more than 30 years’ experience in social care, including the past 10 years as a Registered Manager.

He has around 20 years’ experience supporting people with learning disabilities, and more than a decade working in domiciliary care, with particular experience supporting people living with dementia and mental health needs.

Andy believes everyone should have the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life, making their own choices and doing the things that matter to them. He is passionate about helping people maintain their independence and supporting them in a way that feels right for them.

Outside work, Andy enjoys walking his dog, going fishing, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Kate

Kate has 20 years’ experience in domiciliary care, including 15 years in management. She has supported children and young people with complex needs and their families, and more recently helped older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.

She believes finding the right companion is about much more than availability. It’s about understanding what matters to someone and finding a person they feel comfortable with, have things in common with and genuinely enjoy spending time with.

Outside work, Kate loves family time, being creative and getting outdoors. She’s a keen hobby baker, enjoys sugar craft and is happiest near the beach or discovering somewhere new.

Mary

Mary brings more than 40 years’ experience as a CEO within a domiciliary care charity, supporting people and families with a wide range of needs, including dementia, spinal injuries, physical disabilities, mental health needs and acquired brain injuries.

She has always been driven by a desire to help people and believes support should be personal, meaningful and built around genuine relationships.

Mary particularly enjoys getting to know people and creating connections. Outside work, she loves spending time with her family, going to the theatre and musical performances, and getting lost in a good book.

Rich

Rich has more than 15 years’ experience as a Care Manager, supporting older adults with a wide range of needs, including dementia, physical disabilities, spinal injuries and mental health needs.

He has also supported live-in care packages, giving him a strong understanding of the importance of compassionate, person-centred support.

Rich has a gentle, caring nature and enjoys getting to know people and building genuine connections.

Outside work, music is a huge part of his life. He’s a singer-songwriter who regularly performs around Oxfordshire, and he also enjoys socialising with friends and eating out.