After three years of service, Kitchen Assistant Nick is a familiar and valued face at our Hothfield Neurological Rehabilitation Centre in Kent. His contribution to the daily running of the kitchen is a vital part of ensuring that patients and residents receive not just nutritious meals but also support that is attentive to their clinical and cultural needs.

A Personal Journey into Active Care Group

Nick’s path to Active Care Group began through his lived experience – he was a live-in caregiver for his grandmother. “She eventually moved into a nursing home, and that made me think about what I wanted to do,” he reflects. With a background in kitchens, he was drawn to the idea of returning to a role that combined food preparation with a deeper purpose. “I saw the job at Hothfield and thought, yes, I’d really like to do that again.”

A Lifelong Love for Food

His interest in kitchen work began during his school years. “My first work experience was in the kitchen of a golf club my dad and I used to play at,” he says. “That really opened my eyes to how much I enjoyed it, and I’ve carried that with me ever since.”

Supporting Recovery Through Food

Nick’s day begins just after 7 am, preparing breakfast for the patients and residents based on personalised menus and dietary needs. “Some have difficulties swallowing or specific religious diets, so we prepare food accordingly,” he explains. He also helps with lunch and dinner prep, washing up, snacks, and general kitchen support.

Between meal services, he checks in with patients and residents for a cup of tea or a quick chat. “You get to know what people like and how they take their tea. It’s a small thing, but it matters.”

More Than a Kitchen Assistant

Nick takes food safety and hygiene seriously. He’s up to date on food hygiene certification and training in a range of care-related topics, including allergens, safeguarding, IPC (Infection Prevention Control), positive behaviour support, and dysphagia awareness.

“We have to maintain the kitchen to a high standard,” he says. “There’s a checklist of tasks that need to be done daily and weekly, and we always make sure everything is clean and labelled correctly.”

A Role That Grows with You

During his appraisal, Nick expressed an interest in expanding his skills. “I want to do more cooking,” he says. “The chefs here are brilliant and give me opportunities to help. It just makes the day better.”

He also finds the most reward in seeing patients and residents recover. “Some people come in after a stroke or serious injury. You see them go from struggling to talk or walk to slowly regaining their confidence. Watching that progress is incredible.”

Looking Ahead with Purpose

After three years at Hothfield, Nick remains energised by the work and excited about what lies ahead. “This job is more than just washing up. It’s about being part of something bigger – helping people and being part of their recovery. I’ve enjoyed my time here, and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Our colleagues help care for and improve the lives of our patients, residents and the individuals we support.

If you would like a rewarding career like Nick’s, click here for further information.