Caring duo aiming to make their mark

MORE than 100 jobs could be created across Oldham with the launch of a company providing personal care services.

Caremark (Oldham) is well under way with preparations to open up its new home-care business, offering care and support services and providing employment opportunities for people in the community.

Helan Graham (41), from Mossley, and Stephanie Doherty (52), from Chadderton, are the owners of Caremark (Oldham) and are among the latest group of franchisees to complete the initial two-week Franchise Owner training course with Caremark Ltd.

The course prepares Caremark franchise owners to deliver high standards of care.

Helan and Stephanie, who have invested £100,000 in the venture, already have a solid background working within the local authority and this helped to shape their understanding of the variety of needs and preferences their customers may have — which should help nurture the development of a truly personalised service.

They have already made their first appointment, recruiting care manager Anthony Szuminski, who has worked for social services in Manchester.

“We have worked together for the past 10 years at Oldham Council within the Children, Young People and Families’ Directorate. We are now delighted to be joining the Caremark network, after carefully considering other franchise opportunities within the domiciliary care sector and deciding that Caremark was the one for us,” said Helan.

Stephanie added: “Having finished the training course we cannot wait to get our Care Quality Commission registration and start supporting people in our community.

“We hope to be able to start recruiting care and support workers very soon, with the intention to recruit and train 100 people from the local community in our first year.”

Caremark (Oldham) will be offering personal care, domestic support and companionship services to children, young people and adults living in Oldham and the surrounding areas, within their own homes and local communities.

Helan and Stephanie, who have taken office space at Remploy in Bardsley, describe themselves as passionate about delivering a high-quality service and will be offering the best training and support to potential care workers.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in the care sector and the people who come to work for us will gain great satisfaction in helping to improve the quality of people’s lives,” said Helan.

Caremark (Oldham) is part of a nationwide franchise network with more than 20 years of experience providing care and companionship to people living in their own homes.