‘Capable Hands’ is a personalised, local service that has evolved through more than two decades of experience in the areas of home-help, childcare and house & pet sitting. This has been complimented by my earlier foundation in education & music, which included running workshops for children, lecturing at a university and assisting at a forest kindergarten. For a number of years I have also been a volunteer ‘befriender’ to women in crisis through a Christian charity.

I value being trusted to enter the intimacy of a home environment and respond to the needs of those I work with as they arise. Offering good company and engaging conversation is often an important part of the equation. Ensuring that the household is well-ordered and that the stress of pressing tasks has been relieved is work I find deeply satisfying. Equally, I treasure the natural world and the animal kingdom, and it is a blessing to spend time tending to much loved animals or walking in the Wiltshire countryside with canine companionship. In my early 30s I spent time living abroad and was self-sufficient during that period, so I also enjoy providing occasional help in the garden where that is welcomed.

Being self-employed and entirely independent, I have a good degree of flexibility. I am organised, reliable and meticulous in my approach, and I often fill in the gaps when ad hoc support is required at short notice. I have an enhanced DBS (criminal records check), as well as a Paediatric First Aid Certificate.

I operate in the areas of Marlborough, Pewsey and the surrounding Wiltshire villages. I also offer occasional childcare and babysitting, and my profile on childcare.co.uk can be seen at the link below.