Our Team

Get to know some of the staff at Tinkers

Contact Us

Well Led

Hi, I’m Dean, and I’m now the Manager here at Tinkers Hatch. My journey in the care industry began at the age of 16, and I’ve been a part of the Tinkers Hatch family since 1998. I started as a support worker,  gained my Registered Managers Award and am now studying for my Senior Leader level 7 qualification. What I love most about my job is being able to support our clients through all stages of their lives. We celebrate their successes, offer comfort during difficult times, and build meaningful relationships with them and their families. The last five years have brought significant challenges, but I’m incredibly proud of the supportive environment we’ve created. We strive to offer a choice of home where individuals can decide their level of support, enjoy our beautiful rural setting, and find companionship or solitude as they wish. We’ve also built wonderful connections with the local community, including the East Hoathly Garden Project and Christchurch. Of course, paperwork is a necessary part of the job, but it makes the time I spend with our clients even more precious. At Tinkers Hatch, we believe everyone is unique and special, and we’re here to support each other.
Dean Webber (Manager)

Hello, my name is Amy. I have over 25 years experience in the care industry, and started working at Tinkers hatch in 2003. I have my level 4 in adult social care and I am currently working towards my level 5 in leadership management in adult social care. I have a very strong passion towards ensuring those with learning disabilities are living fulfilling lives and can be the best version of themselves. That individuals are given choice, dignity and respect and treated with kindness. I very much enjoy the work I do, and feel extremely proud of the service and how happy the individuals and families are with the support we provide.  

Amy Hunt (Head of Care)

Hello. My name is Becci, and I am proud to serve as the Care Compliance Officer at Tinkers Hatch. Working in adult social care is more than just a career—it’s a calling. I am deeply passionate about providing high-quality, person-centred care that respects the dignity, rights, and individuality of every person we support. I strongly believe in creating environments where people with learning disabilities feel safe, valued, and empowered to live fulfilling lives. With nearly 20 years of experience in the care sector (including holding registration for a LD service), I’ve had the privilege of working alongside compassionate professionals, supporting individuals with diverse needs, and continuously learning and growing in my practice. I hold qualifications in Health and Social Care Level 3 & 5 and am now currently working towards my Senior Leader Level 7. I am committed to ongoing development to ensure that our care remains compliant, safe, and of the highest standard. At the heart of everything I do is a belief in kindness, respect, and the power of human connection. Whether I’m working with staff, individuals we support, or external professionals, I strive to uphold the values that define Tinkers Hatch: trust, transparency, and teamwork. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Rebecca Vine (Care Compliance Officer)

Our Team

My father with 2 other partners started Tinkers over 40 years ago. The home is now owned by my sister and myself.

I’m the Nominated Individual and a conduit between the service and CQC and other bodies to ensure the highest standards of care.

I have experience of working in every area of the home over the past 4 decades.

Since retiring as a teacher I’m here during the week days. I focus on supporting the senior leadership team and decorating and upkeep of the home ensuring the clients who live and come to Tinkers have a beautiful and safe place to live and thrive.

Nigel Ashdown (Director)

My name is Honey, I am a support worker and have been working at Tinkers for over a year. I am currently doing my level 2 in adult social care. 

I absolutely love working at Tinkers and love the fact that every day is different. I enjoy supporting our clients to live the lives they want and giving them a safe, engaging and sociable place to do this. 

Honey Roberts (Support Worker)

My name is Emma, and I am a Team Leader. I have worked at Tinkers for over 15 years. I have my NVQ level 3 in adult care.

I very much enjoy working with adults with learning disabilities as I can see how we can make a positive difference to the lives of the people we support and help them to achieve their goals and dreams.

Emma Calderbank (Team Leader)

Hi my names Tabitha, 

I have had the privilege of working in our clients home here at Tinkers Hatch getting on for 20 years, working in a variety of areas including key working, cooking  and community activities which has included accompanying clients on their holidays. There is something for everyone at Tinkers Hatch, oh not forgetting being set in a stunning location , the wildlife and scenery is stunning.

Tabitha (Support Worker)

My name is Lola, I’ve been working at Tinkers since 2011, I originally came as part time night staff, to fit in around my new family, however, once I arrived, I never left!!  I am now a full-time senior support worker working towards my level 4 qualification.

The thing I love the most about Tinkers, is the feeling of support and family! I can be my true self here.

I spend a lot of my time here at Tinkers, but ask any of my friends and family, they’ll all tell you, they are jealous, I’m the only person outside of Tinkers that truly loves their job! I can’t imagine ever working anywhere else.

Lola Hart (Senior Team Leader)

My name is Olivia, and I have been at Tinkers for 3 years. I started as a housekeeper when at college and liked working here so much I decided to join full time work as a support worker and still do some housekeeping. I am currently studying my level 2 in adult social care. 

I enjoy working at Tinkers because it an extremely rewarding vocation, and it brings me joy. I rarely people say they love their job, but I really do. It nice to make such a difference in people’s lives.

Olivia Hunt (Support Worker)

Hello my name is Becky and I am a Team Leader here at Tinkers. I am working towards my level 3 in adult social care.

I enjoy working at Tinkers because of the rewarding relationships I have formed with the clients. Making a difference and aiding them to be more empowered and independent in their lives. 

Tinkers is a very supportive environment to work in for both staff and those who attend and live in the service. I feel lucky to have found a work place like it!

Becky (Team Leader)

My name is Peter Lees and I have worked at Tinkers Hatch since 2019, I came from a background in farming for thirty years which I was very passionate about. Finding myself at a crossroad, I took a pathway which I wasn’t sure where it would go which was working in care, scary but exciting. After a very short time I knew I was in the right place after getting to know the clients, my beliefs are that all are precious in God’s eyes and we all deserve to be treated with respect and kindness what ever difficulties we have put before us.

There’s one thing I would like to share with you, which touched me profoundly, when supporting a client when asking, “Would you stand up for me?” and she replied: “Stand up for Jesus.” I knew that I wanted to be part of their amazing journey and support them to have a full and all inclusive lifestyle.

Peter Lees (Support Worker)