Training Academy
Peninsula Care Training Academy
contact usWe believe that quality care stems from well-trained staff who value both their roles and the individuals they support. To share our expertise and promote excellence in care, we established the Peninsula Care Training Academy.
Sharing Expertise to Elevate Care Standards
contact usThrough our Training Academy, we provide specialised sessions for professionals and care providers, aiming to raise industry standards by imparting practical knowledge and skills drawn from our extensive background.
Professional Healthcare Training
Gain practical, hands-on experience delivered by qualified healthcare professionals. Our training courses are designed to equip carers and healthcare staff with the essential skills needed for high-quality patient care.
Accredited Courses & Certifications
We offer awareness and accredited training programmes tailored to meet industry standards. All participants receive recognised certifications, ensuring compliance and confidence in the workplace.
Flexible Learning Options
Our Training Academy provides flexible options, including in-person sessions at our facility or on-site at your organisation. We work around your schedule to deliver convenient and effective training.
meet our team
Jonny Cook
Jonny Cook
As Director of Peninsula Care Services, Jonny Cook plays a key role in both the strategic management and day-to-day operations of the organisation. A true team player, he is dedicated to ensuring that our care services are delivered to the highest standard, meeting the expectations of our valued clients and service users.
With extensive experience in domiciliary care and nursing recruitment agencies, along with a strong background in both care and management qualifications, Jonny brings a wealth of expertise to the company. His leadership ensures that our team provides compassionate, high-quality care to those who need it most.
Outside of work, Jonny enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Poppy and Noah. A keen traveller with a love for the sea, he prefers to explore the world by cruise. He’s also a theatre fan who enjoys taking in performances whenever he can.
George Black
George Black
George has been working part time with Peninsula since our inception overseeing our payroll and accounts department. He uses various current software packages to ensure that our team are paid on time and that clients are invoiced. He is the main port of contact for any of our valued clients to discuss details of their account. George has over 12 years experience in the industry, in not only a finance position but also in various caring and management roles as well as being a trained counsellor and holding a Chartered Management Qualification.
Matthew Wylie
Matthew Wylie
A true company veteran, Matthew joined in 2010 after a career change from construction, training as a Community Care Worker before moving into recruitment support. While advancing his qualifications in HR, leadership and management, he took on more responsibility and is now our Registered Manager, overseeing daily operations, compliance, and recruitment for the Domiciliary Care Agency.
Outside of work, Matthew balances a busy home life with his passion for football coaching, darts, and pool—having even helped Northern Ireland win the European Championship in 2012!
Erwina Smyth
Erwina Smyth
With an eye for detail, Erwina is responsible for the recruitment compliance of our Care at Home and Nursing team. Her role ensures that our nursing and care team receive the most up to date ongoing supervision, training, and development.
Erwina is known to have a sweet tooth, and outside of work, enjoys going to see tribute bands and spending time with her two grandchildren.
Curtis Gray
Curtis Gray
As an Admin Assistant at Peninsula Care, Curtis is often the first voice you hear or the first face you see when you visit our office. Based at reception, he plays a key role in supporting our team, assisting with the onboarding of new recruits and ensuring HR files are kept up to date throughout their time with us.
Outside of work, Curtis enjoys spending time with friends and playing football for fun. He has recently taken on the role of coaching a senior men’s football team, a challenge hes’s embracing with enthusiasm. He also loves making the most of his time off by travelling, whether it’s a short trip or a well-earned holiday.
Darren Matchett
Darren Matchett
Having more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, Darren joined Peninsula Care in June 2020 during the pandemic as an agency Health Care Assistant. He joined the office team in July 2021 to assist the daily running and operations of the Recruitment Agency. Since then, he has completed his Level 3 in Human Resources (CIPD) and in Education and Training. As of today, Darren is responsible for the recruitment of Agency Health Care Assistants and assisting the Nurse Manager with Nurses, ensuring compliance is met and is the first point of call to our customers requiring the short- and long-term filling of vacancies, you may also see him delivering courses for the Training Academy including Dysphagia Awareness and Infection Control. Darren is a bit of a film buff so if you want a review on the latest block buster or hit TV show – he’s your man to talk to.
Glenda Caughey
Glenda Caughey
Glenda joined Peninsula Care 8 years ago in March 2017 and like many of our Care at Home office based team, she started out as a Community Care Worker. She was interested in care as a career due to being a caregiver in her own family and found a passion for helping others. An award-winning care worker, Glenda was recognised in 2017 as Unsung Hero of Peninsula Care, before returning to the awards stage in 2023 to collect the Client Choice and The Overall Heart of Peninsula Care. Early in 2024 she made the change to becoming a Care Coordinator in our office team and has since then enjoyed working with our staff and service users throughout the Bangor area, which she oversees. Glenda has also taken the necessary training to become our in-house manual handling staff trainer. In her spare time Glenda enjoys attending the Belfast Giant’s home games and cheering the team on.
Joanne Roy
Joanne Roy
Joanne is our dedicated Registered Nurse Manager at Peninsula Care Services, bringing over 40 years of nursing experience to the team. Since qualifying in 1983, she has specialised in elderly and dementia care, spending 17 years as a Home Manager.
At Peninsula Care Services, Joanne oversees nurse recruitment, training, and compliance, ensuring the highest standards of care. She manages NMC registrations, conducts audits, and supports our team with her extensive expertise.
Outside of work, Joanne enjoys family time, sunny picnics, and cosy days in with her dogs Betty and Archie.
Kim Stewart
Kim Stewart
Kim has been part of Peninsula Care since 2013, bringing over 20 years of care experience to her role. An award-winning care worker, she’s earned multiple accolades, including the prestigious Heart of Peninsula award. After a stint in coordination role, Kim returned to hands-on care before stepping into the Deputy Manager role in 2023, where she now helps oversee our care team and ensures top-quality service. Outside of work, she’s a passionate live music fan and a keen traveller—next stop, New York for Oasis’ reunion tour!
Emily Lightbody
Emily Lightbody
Initially joined the team as a Care Assistant in 2021, having worked in care settings since 2017, she brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role.
During her time with us, Emily achieved her Levels 2 and 3 Health & Social Care and was awarded Learner of the Year at our Heart of Peninsula Care Awards.
Emily works alongside her carers and members of the multidisciplinary team in the community to ensure her service users care is assessed, planned and delivered effectively.
Beyond work, Emily is a proud mum of two boys. She loves spending time in the Mournes with her family, taking them to rugby practice, and enjoying the great outdoors. She’s also a big fan of Christmas movies, especially “The Holiday” and loves reading almost every night. When she’s not relaxing with a good book, she enjoys soap operas and listening to country music.
Emanuel Oliveira
Emanuel Oliveira
From Portugal, Emanuel joined our team in 2019 working in a health care role before taking on the role of Agency Coordinator and now Accounts Assistant. With a keen interest in numbers he works in our Finance department dealing with payroll and invoicing. In his spare time he enjoys listening to music and is a keen footballer currently playing for Sirocco Works FC.
Mandy Lewis
Mandy Lewis
Mandy Lewis has been a valued member of Peninsula Care since 2010, starting her career as a community care worker. Over the years, she has built lasting relationships with many service users, delivering an exceptional standard of care and becoming a familiar, much-welcomed face in their daily lives.
Committed to professional growth, Mandy has achieved her QCF Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care. Her dedication and expertise have led her to her current role as Monitoring Officer.
In this position, Mandy is out on the road each day, visiting service users in their own homes to ensure care is delivered to the highest standard and that individual needs are being met. She also supervises care staff while on duty, offering guidance, support, and encouragement drawn from her extensive experience. In her spare time Mandy enjoys reading, swimming and her holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQs for answers to common questions about our services and how we can help you.