Meet Jamie, Olive Branch’s Chief Storyteller 

Hello! My name is Jamie, and I am the new Marketing Manager for Olive Branch Fostering, you will probably see my name in various articles or at events, so, I thought I would introduce myself to you all. 

My role, in essence, is to make sure that as many people as possible get to hear about all the wonderful work Olive Branch does, so that we can attract even more foster carers, which will allow us to support more children and young people. 

I have a background in both Children’s Social Care and Marketing, working for local authorities for many years and then turning my side hustle of writing and social media creation into my main profession. 

Before working for Olive Branch, I did a lot of research into fostering companies, to a) Find out more about Olive Branch and b) find out how fostering had changed since I worked for the Children’s Social Care Dept for two local authorities many moons ago! 

There did seem to be two main distinct business approaches that different fostering companies used, one with a holistic and collaborative focus, and one that leans more towards providing financial incentives for the foster carers. 

Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I was delighted to read page after page about how Olive Branch chose the former, prioritising both the foster carers and the children equally, and successfully creating and maintaining a friendly, supportive environment for carers, the children, and the local community. 

It is no exaggeration to say that this friendly and supportive environment absolutely shines throughout the entire Olive Branch family. 

The Olive Branch Family 

Since day one, I have felt at home, each and every team member has the same positivity and enthusiasm that you only really get when you are all working together for a truly worthy cause that you believe in.  

I have noticed, even at this early stage of my Olive Branch journey, that the three C’s as I call them, are front and centre of company: Children, Carers, and Community. 

The Olive Branch Community 

I’d like to spend a brief moment talking about community, as a local resident of Rossendale, the chance to work for a company that has such a phenomenal sense of community spirit was so important to me, and I couldn’t wait to get started! 

Indeed, in less than three weeks I helped out at the Olive Branch Eid Celebration. 

Not knowing what to expect, I arrived and was blown away by what happened on the day (and not just because it is always windy in Rossendale) 

The day had the atmosphere, not of a ‘work event’ but of a family wedding (in fact, I have been to family weddings with a less friendly atmosphere…) 

Family is the best way to describe the Olive Branch team, nothing is too much trouble, everyone is always willing to help, to go out of their way to be supportive, and ideas are always encouraged. 

Before I finish, I’d like to give thanks to Joanne, it’s clear that she’s one of the original and key powerhouses in creating and maintaining the ethos and environment here at Olive Branch. Another special shout out has to go to Gabi, who works relentlessly to support our colleagues, carers and the children and young people in our care. Kudos to both of them.   

It’s hard not to feel inspired when surrounded by such a passionate and inspirational group of people, and I truly believe that anyone crossing paths with the Olive Branch family is sure to feel the same way too.