Our Homes
It goes without saying that children and young people are more likely to grow and thrive, both physically and emotionally, in a family environment and every report and study of residential children's homes tells us that small is best. Our homes reflect this- ordinary detached family homes where 3 children can live in a safe, warm, welcoming, clean, comfortable, nurturing and accepting environment. They sit in small communities close to schools, clubs, amenities, parks, the seaside and other areas and resources that appeal to children of all ages.
Each child has their own room, decorated in the colours and style they choose and furnished with their individual tastes and preferences in mind- this is their home after all.The rest of the home is as you would expect any nice home to be- comfortable lounges, shared kitchen and dining rooms, modern colours and soft furnishings and clean all over. Pleasant and spacious gardens offer opportunities to play and to relax.
Meet The Managers:
Claire Rice
Hi, my name is Claire. I am the registered Manager at Ty Coed Cottage which is in Tonypandy. I have worked in care for 16 year’s but have been working with children in Genus Care for 11 years.
I gained my Level 3 QCF in Health & Social Care (Children & Young People whilst working in Knowle House which is in Swansea, where I started my journey with Genus care in March of 2012. I worked there for 8 years. I was then made Assistant Manager at Knowle House after returning to work after having my little boy and I stayed there until I had the opportunity to become a manager at Ty Coed Cottage in 2020 where I also completed my Level 5 QCF.
My main interests are spending time with my family and friends, walking my dog Saffie, avoiding the gym and I love, love, love doing acrylic nails for myself and others as I am a qualified beautician which my 17 year old daughter takes full advantage of.
Leanne Reed
Hi, my name is Leanne. I am the Registered Manager at Ynys Y Bwt which is in Blackmill, Bridgend.
I studied Childhood and Youth in University of Glamorgan and from there I started my career in Residential Child Care at Genus Care.
Knowle House in Swansea is where I started my journey in March of 2012 and where I gained my Level 3 QCF in Health & Social Care (Children & Young People). I continued my learning whilst at Knowle House, studying and gaining my QCF Level 5 certificate in Leadership & Management in Health and Social Care and TAQA Certificate which means I can assess other learners doing their Level 3 certificate. I was made Assistant Manager at Knowle House and I stayed there until I had my little girl in 2015.
On return from maternity leave I started my new role as Manager at Ynys Y Bwt.
My main interests are spending time with my family and friends, walking my dogs (Poppy and Maui) and the occasional visit to the gym.
Kyle Jenkins
Hi, my name is Kyle and I am the Registered Manager at Dan Y Beacon which is in Swansea. I have worked in care for over 15 years and with Genus care for 9.Before I worked in care, I worked in play schemes and youth clubs and also done some window fitting. I’ve worked with Gareth and Mark for many years and the reason why I joined them at Genus Care is that they would do anything they can to help me, and I would do the same for them. I love working at Dan Y Beacon it really is like my second home.
I have a NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and a Level 5 QCF Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's services. I've also attended numerous courses through my time in this line of work.
My hobbies include Rugby in which I have represented Welsh colleges when I was younger, Golf and going to the gym which you could never tell. I also like spending time with my little girls who keep me busy. I still enjoy doing activities and having fun with the children and staff when I can and love my job as I love the feeling of young people achieving things, they thought they would never achieve.
Rhodri BwyeHi, my name is Rhodri. I am the Registered Manager at Ninian House in Cardiff I am a fluent Welsh speaker attending Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari for my secondary education and later studied at University of Wales Institute Cardiff.
I began working in the residential care setting in 2010 with my previous employer. There I gained my QCF level 3 in Health & Social Care Children & Young People. I moved to Genus Care in the March of 2012 when we opened Knowle House in Swansea. I worked there for 17 months before moving and help open Station Cottage in the August of 2013. There I completed my QCF level 5 certificates in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Children and Young People Residential Management) and Advanced Practice for Children and Young People. I worked there until November 2015 before starting work at Ninian House where I am now the Manager.
My main interests are based around sport, playing or watching. I am a keen golfer but unfortunately, I do not get to play as much as I would like due to having a young family. I played rugby for most of my life but hung the boots up in April 2022. Since then, I have taken up cycling and have partaken in many a charity ride raising money for Ty Hafan and MND. My cycling has now progressed into triathlon training and am hoping to complete some events over the coming years.
Mark Wilkins
Hi, my name is Mark. I am the Registered Manager at Station Cottage in the Cymmer Valley. I have been working for Genus Care for over 10 years, where I started as an Care worker then Assistant Manager and become Manager in 2021. Since starting, I have been able to gain many qualifications such as QCF level 3 in Health and Social Care Children & Young People, Diploma level 5 in Leadership and Management. My job is very much my passion and I work hard to get the best out of the young people I look after and the staff team. Genus Care is a great company to work for and I wish to continue being a Manager for many more years.
Outside of work I love everything to do with sports, I play for one of the local rugby teams Maesteg Celtic, I have played for this team from a very young age. We have been involved in many fundraising events over the years to help people in our local community. I enjoy boxing, fishing, swimming, football and bike riding. The Llynfi Valley is home to some of the best downhill bike tracks in all of Wales, some of which are a stone throw from Station Cottage.
I am very much a family man, I am married and have two daughters. A lot of my time outside of work is spending time with them, going to local beaches, play areas and biking around the community. I love a holiday, especially abroad where there is great weather and plenty of activities. I also enjoy a good caravan holiday as this is something I have done since I was a child.
Sam Tossell
Hello, my name is Sam. I am the Registered Manager at Knowle House in Swansea. I have been working in Care for over 14 years which I thoroughly enjoy. Since starting, I have been able to gain many qualifications such as NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care Children & Young People, Diploma level 5 in Leadership and Management, Health and Social Care (Children and Young People Services) TAQA level 3 Assessors Certificate. My job is very much my passion and I work hard to get the best out of the young people I look after and the staff team. Genus Care is a great company to work for and I wish to continue being a Manager for many more years.
Outside of work I love everything to do with sports, I have represented Wales in different sports such as Swimming, Basketball and Karate. I like to play rugby and golf in my spare time…or try too. I also like to keep fit by going to the gym as often as I can.
My hobbies now, is spending time with my children going down to the beach or for long walks. Going on holidays abroad and camping around our beautiful countryside.
DVD:
With the help of a local company called Rediscover Media we made DVD’s of each home which we give to all young people before they move in (it may answer a few of their questions and might put them at ease a bit). Here are a few outtakes…..
Our Pledge
What you won't find in our homes is threadbare carpet, tatty curtains, locked doors excluding children from their own home and a general absence of child-related stuff. Our homes are places we'd all be happy to live, learn and grow in.
