Meet the Team

I am Natalie Gray and have 10 years’ experience managing registered services with people that live with Dementia and that are differently abled. I am passionate about person centred care with positive support and the ways in which we can enrich and empower people we support in everyday life. Working at Highfield House is a privilege, and I feel blessed to be part of an exceptional team who also share this passion.

My name is Lesley Gooch and I have been the Deputy Manager of Highfield House since 2021. Working in care is very rewarding and supporting and developing our team makes it all the more enjoyable. It gives me great delight in helping others and making a difference to the residents to ensure they receive the best possible experience. Our exceptional care, kindness and genuine passion makes this home very special.

I have had a career in finance since leaving school (a few years ago now!). I headed an accounts department for many years at a double glazing firm in Ipswich and moved on to being a Financial Controller for an interior design company in Woodbridge. Originally from Felixstowe, I joined Highfield House in January 2016 shortly after moving to Halesworth. 

To relax I enjoy cooking and love binge-watching box sets in my spare time.

I am responsible for all the maintenance and health and safety at Highfield House and have been in the home improvements/maintenance trade for nearly 30 years.

In my free time I am heavily involved with charity work and fundraising for local causes. I enjoy hiking and am a keen cyclist where I have completed many cycle rides raising money for charity.

In the past I used to play rugby for Beccles then went on to coach local youngsters the sport instead.

From a young age, I always had a passion for caring for others. After school, I started my care journey at Trees Nursing Home in Harleston, before progressing to a senior mental health support worker role, where I cared for high-profile psychiatric patients on an acute female ward. I then worked for the NHS during the COVID pandemic. Over time, I developed a strong interest in therapeutic engagement and well-being, which led me to focus on this area of care to support individuals through meaningful activities and improve their overall quality of life.

I am so excited to have joined the team at Highfield House. I have over 25 years care experience from hospital wards to community care and I hope I shall make a great addition to the team. I want to make a positive difference to all those that call the house a home. I live off grid on the marshes with lots of animals and wildlife, all of which keep me busy when I am not at work.