Making a Real Difference

Making a Real Difference

Our Team

We believe that young people respond better to a calm environment and respond to staff that are genuine and care about their welfare. We will provide a skilled service from committed staff in a safe, appropriately structured and caring environment. Staff are carefully selected and recruited to address gender, age and ethnic balance in order to reflect diversity and positive role models.

With a strong staff value base, positive role models and strong work ethics we will ensure a clear care approach that will help to bring the staff team together in terms of encouraging consistency in relation to behaviour and responses. Providing coherent and reassuring experiences for the young people and creating opportunities for positive experiences.

Staff will consistently lead by example, making sure practice is child centred, professional and respectful at all times.  This will encourage social development for individuals and will support positive relationships between all members of the home.  Our staff teams are non-judgemental, patient and caring, who will endeavour to make positive changes to a range of behaviours and backgrounds.  

Leadership Team

Aliya Rana

(Director)

Aliya is a specialist Local Government Principal Lawyer and has over 15 years of relevant leadership and management experience within the public law and child protection area. Aliya’s career has been built on pursuing the welfare and protection of children by advising the social care team and cabinet members on the rules, regulations and tools available in relation to fulfilling their statutory obligations.

Lauren Forbes

(Responsible Individual)

Lauren joined Care Acre in January 2025, bringing with her five years of management experience in a children’s home, where she supported a diverse group of young people with varying needs. Her career in social care includes managing a 9-bedded residential home for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health challenges. Before this, Lauren worked within an NHS trust as a part of a crisis team and held a position as a senior support worker for Mencap. This extent of experience equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of care provision.

Lauren is deeply committed to enhancing the quality of care and improving the lives of the children at Care Acre. She believes that providing a safe and homely environment is essential for the growth and development of young people. Her approach combines her leadership skills, theoretical knowledge, and hands-on experience, allowing her to foster a nurturing atmosphere where children can thrive.

Hannah Ellison

(Home Manager)
Hannah has extensive experience working in a variety of children’s residential settings, including EBD (Emotional and behavioural difficulties), Learning Disabilities, mental health and challenging behaviours.
Starting as a support worker, Hannah has worked her way up to the role of home manager, demonstrating strong leadership, resilience and a commitment to a high-quality care.
 
During Hannah’s career, she has played a key role in supporting and developing staff teams. Building their confidence and knowledge to provide the best outcomes for the young people. Hannah is passionate about providing a nurturing and structured environment, supporting them through challenges with a trauma informed approach. Hannah strongly advocates and promotes the application of the PACE principles in everyday practice, to help young people feel safe, understood and valued.

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