Who We Are

Our founder, Emma Doney, lost her grandmother to Alzheimer’s after an undignified stay in an expensive care home which was short of staff. Emma often found her grandmother asleep in a circle of chairs in the middle of the day in a dimly lit room with little in the way of stimulation. When asked to go through a custom made memory book once per week, they simply replied they didn’t have time. Her independence had been stripped away. Emma and her grandmother were particularly close as she lost her mother to Leukaemia aged 9.

With experience as a support worker for vulnerable individuals in residential and community settings, each grappling with a spectrum of disabilities, Emma completed a Level 5 QCF Diploma in Health and Social Care. Her expertise extends to assisting individuals in transitioning back to their own homes post-rehabilitation for acquired brain injuries, supporting people with dementia to remain independent in their own homes and enabling individuals with conditions such as Parkinson’s, MS and epilepsy to access their community.

Throughout her career, Emma has encountered a spectrum of organisational experiences and cultures, some exemplary in their support and dedication, while others fell short of expectations. Emma now hopes with her leadership and management experience, she can turn the tide on inadequate and insufficient support for vulnerable adults and enable them to continue to live in the community.

Emma Doney, Founder & Managing Director

Our Mission

As a purpose led organisation, our mission is to improve the lives of adults after an injury, diagnosis or into their later years, in the community, through providing unrivalled independence support, whilst maintaining, high standards of social, physical and emotional well-being.

Our Story

“I want to tell you all about us and our story, so here we go. The inspiration behind Best Life comes from personal experience. When I lost my grandfather, my grandmother’s independence quickly declined. Without easy access to transport, home support, or a solution that suited her needs, she moved into a care home earlier than she should have. Sadly, this is a common reality for many families. I lost my mum to cancer when I was just nine years old, so my nan, Pat, became everything to me. She wasn’t just a grandmother, she was my safe place, my constant, and one of the closest people in my life.

When my Grandmother began showing signs of dementia, we looked for support, but what we found felt cold, emotionless and clinical. People dressed like nurses took her out for tea and cake, but she didn’t need nursing care, but that was the only kind of help on offer. Eventually, she was moved into a care home against her will, not because she needed to be there, but because there was nowhere else for her to go. She spent a year sitting in a circle of chairs with strangers, in an expensive environment she didn’t want or need. I knew it didn’t have to be that way. That’s why I created Best Life, to create the kind of support I wish Pat had, and that every person deserves.”

Our Companions & Day Club Staff

FREDDIE

DAVID

RACHAEL

Our Staff Values

At Best Life, our values are at the heart of everything we do. They guide the way we support our clients, interact with their loved ones, and work alongside one another. We lead with integrity and reliability; our clients and their families count on us to follow through, and we take that trust seriously, knowing consistency brings comfort and security.

We also believe in the power of a positive mindset, compassion, and empathy. By approaching every situation with optimism and solution-focused thinking, we lift others up and bring energy and encouragement. These aren’t just words to us, they are the everyday actions that define the exceptional care we provide.

In Our Office

Nick

Hello there, I'm Emma's husband. My professional journey began at the age of 16 when I joined the Royal Navy, serving in the Submarine Service. After leaving the Navy to focus on starting a family, I transitioned to EDF Energy, where I now primarily work on contracts supporting the UK's journey to achieve net zero emissions. At Best Life, I serve as the Finance Director, overseeing the organisation's accounting and bookkeeping functions.

Chrissie

Hi I’m Chrissie. I have spent the earlier years of my working life mainly in hospitality and customer care, before discovering my passion for supporting the elderly and those living with mental health needs.I am blessed with 2 children, 5 cats and a dog. My passion for support work continues to blossom as I take pride in getting to know each of our day club clients and recognising their individual needs, as well as helping to nurture their happiness whilst supporting their carers on their journeys with their loves ones living with dementia.

Jorevic

Hello! I'm thrilled to be a part of the office team at Best Life. With experience as a carer and nursery practitioner, and currently studying to become a counsellor, I bring a strong passion for supporting others. In my role as Administrator at Best Life, I'm proud to contribute to an organisation that is dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the health and social care sector. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that truly strives to improve lives!

Steve

Hi, my career journey started in banking during which I was involved in financial analysis, lending, and customer relationship management. The latter role allowed a move into process redesign which permitted me to finish my time in the financial services industry as the Service Improvement Director for Global Corporates & Capital Markets. I then moved into law enforcement on the staff side at the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit as the Quality Performance Manager. I am really pleased to have been appointed as the Business Development Officer as, having been a Best Life Companion, I have seen the benefits of what we do first hand.

Recruitment

In this role you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the life of residents in your local community and one that you will find truly rewarding. Having the right personal qualities is the most important attribute. However, you will also need to have the right to work in the UK, a clear DBS check – (provided), and to be a companion you will also need a full driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

You’re likely to get involved in some of the following activities:

Leisure activities
Games & hobbies
Admin support
Cooking and planning meals
Light household chores and cleaning
Fitness support and walks
Day trips
Transport to visit friends and family
Hospital appointments
Exploring the local community
Accompanied dog walking
Or something a bit more adventurous!

This is an exciting opportunity to work for a new companion service provider that really wants to make a difference to clients’ lives.

If you feel you have the compassionate nature that this job needs, and you are looking for a rewarding role within a professional local team, then please apply by sending your CV.