Jemma Cowburn, Registered Manager

I began working with people with disabilities in 2001 whilst studying health and social care at Salford College after school. Following college, I was employed in a day service, then in supported living services, where I had the opportunity to support people with varying levels of need.

Alongside supporting people with disabilities, in 2006 I went on to Salford University (BSc Hons Integrated Social Work and Learning Disability Nursing). My knowledge and skills in working with people with learning disabilities developed through academic study and various placements within learning disability nursing and social work services. In 2009 I was fortunate enough to have my final placement with Ordinary Lifestyles, and I’ve been employed as Registered Manager since 2011. I have always respected the person centred values of the organisation and it’s been great getting to know the people we support and working with some excellent staff who are really dedicated to what they do.

I am registered with the NMC as a Learning Disability Nurse and with the HCPC as a Social Worker. In 2013 I attended Bolton University to study for nursing mentorship. We now work closely with the University of Salford to enable students from their Integrated Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work programme to attend placements with Ordinary Lifestyles, which have proved to be very valuable.

In my spare time I enjoy walking, camping (when it’s not raining!) and travelling to new places. I’ve got two little dogs which keep me busy.