Meet the People Behind New Horizons


At New Horizons, our people are at the heart of everything we do. From our compassionate support workers in our children’s homes to the experienced managers and senior team working behind the scenes, every person plays a vital role in building brighter futures for the children and young people we support.


We believe in seeing potential in every moment and every individual. Our commitment to learning and development means we attract and retain exceptional people at every level of the organisation. Together, our diverse team brings a wealth of skills, experience, and dedication – united by one shared goal: to provide safe, nurturing, and life-changing care for every child in our homes.


Bharati Parikh

Responsible Individual

Bharati Parikh started New Horizons (Stockport) Ltd in 1996 with one clear vision – to create safe, nurturing homes where children and young people can truly thrive. Nearly three decades later, she’s still as hands-on and committed as ever – personally conducting most staff interviews, carefully matching every child to the home that will meet their needs best, and visiting every home weekly to stay connected with both staff and children.


With over 30 years’ business experience, a degree in Business Studies and Management, and more than 30 childcare-related training courses under her belt, Bharati blends sharp business skills with a deeply personal dedication to every single child in our care. She knows their names, their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs – and she celebrates each milestone as if they were her own.


Bharati believes that every child deserves not just a roof over their head, but a place where they are valued, understood, and loved. Her leadership style is rooted in compassion and high expectations – ensuring our homes run smoothly, our staff feel supported, and our children have the stability, guidance, and opportunities they need to grow into confident, resilient young adults.


Simply put – Bharati isn’t just the founder of New Horizons, she is its heart, championing brighter futures for every child who walks through our doors.

Blake Parikh

Operations Director

Blake Parikh joined New Horizons in 2009 as a key worker, supporting children and young people directly. Over the years, he’s worked his way up through management to become our Operations Director – and yes, he also happens to be Bharati’s son. That family connection isn’t just a detail; it’s part of what makes New Horizons what it is – a genuinely family-run organisation where every decision is personal, and every child is known by name.


Blake is passionate about projects that raise the bar for our homes, ensuring the highest possible standards of care. With a BA in Accountancy & Finance and an incredible eye for numbers, he’s the one who can spot a budget anomaly from a mile away – but he also knows the story behind every figure, every child, and every member of staff.


Known for being kind, witty, and a natural people person, Blake has been a mentor to the entire Head Office team, sharing his knowledge, humour, and knack for problem-solving. He cares deeply about investing in our staff and giving them the tools and confidence to provide the best possible environment for our children.


Whether he’s crunching numbers, overseeing a major home improvement, or sharing a laugh with a colleague, Blake’s goal is always the same – to keep improving, keep raising standards, and keep making sure every child in our care feels safe, supported, and ready for a brighter future.

Victoria Barton

Human Resources Manager (and Occasional Web Designer)

Victoria Barton joined New Horizons in 2009 as an Administrative Assistant, and like most people in a small, family-run organisation, she’s had more job titles than she can remember. Now officially our Head of HR, she also looks after payroll, Local Authority tenders, staff wellbeing… and, as it turns out, writing her own bio while building this very website.


With over 15 years of experience, a CIPD Level 5 Advanced Diploma in HR, and a Level 5 Diploma in Business Management, Victoria is passionate about finding and keeping the right people – the ones with the skills and heart to make a real difference for children. She believes in HR that’s human and kind, preferring conversations over confrontation and solutions over red tape.


A Qualified Mental Health First Aider, Victoria knows that happy, supported teams create happy, supported children. Whether she’s recruiting or solving a tricky HR issue, everything she does has one goal – giving our frontline teams what they need so they can focus on building brighter futures for children.

Janet Fox

Referrals & Office Manager

If you’ve ever visited our Head Office, chances are the first person you met was Janet Fox – our warm, welcoming, and wonderfully witty Office Manager and Referrals Manager. Janet has been the friendly face of New Horizons since 2014, bringing over 30 years of office experience, an NVQ Level 3 in Administration, and more than 20 years in the social care sector.


Before joining us, Janet spent 13 years as a Senior Placement Officer for a major fostering agency, and she now uses that wealth of experience to manage referrals from over 300 Local Authorities across the UK. Her role is crucial – carefully matching each child or young person to the home that best meets their needs, while ensuring a good balance with the children already living there. This attention to detail helps provide the stability, safety, and sense of belonging that every child deserves.


Janet works closely with our Directors, Home Managers, and Local Authorities to secure placements that give children the best chance to live a safe and happy life, and to grow into confident, resilient young adults. She also keeps our Head Office running smoothly, supports recruitment, and acts as PA to our Director, Bharati Parikh.


Her bubbly personality, quick sense of humour, and dedication to doing whatever is needed makes Janet an irreplaceable part of our team – and a big reason why our homes are able to focus on what matters most: caring for children.

Bernice Poole

Learning & Development Manager & Property Manager

If there’s a training session happening at New Horizons,  Bernice Poole will be leading it – and if she’s not, she’s organised it, checked it twice, and made sure everyone has the biscuits they like. Joining us in 2019 as a Deputy Manager before stepping into her Learning & Development role in 2021, Bernice now heads up all staff training across the organisation. She’s our in-house expert in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) – accredited by Cornell University – and quite literally knows everything there is to know about it.


With over 18 years of experience working with children and young people, Bernice brings warmth, reassurance, and a “never say no” attitude to everything she does. She’s a constant, calming presence in our homes, beloved by staff and children alike – always ready to listen, offer support, or break into a quiet hum as she works.


Bernice’s passion is helping our staff be the very best they can be, so they can provide the highest possible standard of care. Whether she’s delivering training in safeguarding, restorative practice, or attachment and brain development, she makes learning engaging, practical, and firmly focused on what matters most – improving the lives of the children in our homes.


Kind-hearted, endlessly supportive, and always going the extra mile, Bernice has been an incredible addition to our Head Office team – the sort of colleague whose presence makes the whole place feel calmer, brighter, and more connected.

Sharron Edwards

Head of Care

With over 27 years of dedicated service in children’s residential care, Sharron has worked across England and Wales supporting children and young people with a wide range of diverse and complex needs. Her experience spans sexual trauma, exploitation, gang affiliation, social, emotional and mental health challenges, learning disabilities, and many other complex circumstances.


Sharron’s career has been built on creating safe, nurturing environments where young people can heal, grow, and thrive. She is passionate about improving the quality of care and achieving better outcomes for children, ensuring each individual receives the understanding, respect, and opportunities they deserve.


As Head of Care, she oversees our Home Managers and carries out detailed audits to ensure every home is not just Ofsted-ready, but a safe, welcoming, and happy place for children to live. Her warmth, humour, and unwavering dedication make her a much-loved figure in our homes – and once she’s been alongside a team for a while, no one ever wants her to leave.


Every decision Sharron makes comes back to one simple goal: making life better for the children in our care.

Our Registered Managers – Leading with Care

Ivydene Registered Manager

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Rosedene Registered Manager

Phillipa joined New Horizons (Stockport) Ltd in June 2018, bringing with her over 32 years of experience in Health and Social Care. Throughout her career, she has worked with both adults and children across a wide range of needs, including mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse, autism, and emotional and behavioural difficulties.


As the Registered Manager of Rosedene Children’s Home, Phillipa is known for her energy, determination, and absolute commitment to achieving the very best for the children and young people in her care. She doesn’t shy away from a challenge and will always go the extra mile to make sure every child at Rosedene feels safe, valued, and supported to reach their potential.


Training and Qualifications include:



  • Diploma Level 7 in Leadership & Management
  • Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management
  • NVQ Level 4 in Health & Social Care
  • NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care
  • NVQ Level 3 in Management
  • BTEC Advanced Award in Care Skills
  • Safeguarding Children
  • First Aid
  • Attachment Theory
  • Professional Boundaries
  • CSE Training
  • Health & Safety
  • Medication Training
  • Risk Assessment
  • Missing from Home


With her wealth of experience, and unwavering commitment to children’s wellbeing, Phillipa leads Rosedene with passion, ensuring it is not only Ofsted-ready but, most importantly, a safe, supportive, and positive place for young people to call home.

Oakdene Registered Manager

Anne-Marie joined the team at Oakdene in January 2019, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and practical experience. She has particular expertise in supporting children and young people with attachment disorders, autism, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and those at risk of child sexual exploitation (CSE).


Her dedication and strong leadership qualities led to her promotion to Deputy Manager in March 2021. She continued to expand her skills and experience, and now has nearly a decade of experience working in residential childcare settings.


In April 2023, Anne-Marie stepped into the role of Registered Manager. She remains committed to her own professional growth and to ensuring the highest standards of care for the children and young people at Oakdene.


Qualifications


  • BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare – Enrolled
  • Level 5 Leadership & Management
  • Level 3 Diploma in Children & Young People’s Workforce
  • NCFE CACHE Understanding Autism
  • Level 2 Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities
  • Level 2 Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
  • Additional Training & Courses
  • Attachment in Young People
  • Bipolar Disorder Awareness
  • Black Lives Matter Awareness
  • Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
  • Children and Domestic Abuse – Advanced Level
  • COSHH for Children’s Homes
  • Criminal Exploitation and County Lines
  • Depression and Suicide Awareness
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Domestic Abuse: Children and Young People
  • Drugs and Alcohol Awareness
  • Equality, Diversity and Cultural Competence
  • Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – Level 1
  • Fire Safety
  • First Aid – Emergency
  • Food Safety and Hygiene – Advanced
  • Gangs and County Lines Awareness
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • Health and Nutrition
  • Supporting Mental Health at Work
  • Infection Control
  • Internet Safety
  • Medication – Advanced Level
  • Mental Health in Young People
  • Psychological First Aid: Supporting Children and Young People
  • Racism, Discrimination, and Intolerance
  • Radicalisation and Extremism Awareness
  • Reporting and Recording – Advanced Level
  • Risk Management and Safer Caring
  • Safeguarding Children – Advanced Level
  • Safeguarding Children with Learning Disabilities
  • Self-Esteem Building in Children and Young People
  • Self-Harm Awareness
  • Sexual Abuse and Recognising Grooming
  • Sexualised Behaviour in Young People
  • Stress Management
  • Supervision, Appraisal and Managing Staff
  • Understanding Depression and Suicide

Ferndene Registered Manager

Amie has been part of the New Horizons family for over 20 years, starting her journey as a support worker before progressing through a variety of roles to become the Registered Manager of Ferndene Children’s Home in 2009. She has led the home ever since its registration, guiding her team with dedication, warmth, and a commitment to providing the highest standard of care for every child who lives there.


Amie is passionate about creating a home where children feel safe, understood, and supported to reach their potential. Her leadership blends strong professional standards with genuine care, ensuring Ferndene is not just Ofsted-compliant, but a place where young people can truly thrive.


Training and Qualifications include:


  • BA (Hons) Degree in Sociology and Social Policy (2:1)
  • Diploma Level 5 in Leadership and Management of Care Services (Children and Young People’s Management)
  • AIM 2 Assessor
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
  • Safeguarding Children (including Parental Alcohol Misuse, CSE, Child Protection)
  • Disability Awareness
  • Preparing Young People for Independence
  • Attachment and Development


With her deep knowledge, hands-on experience, and unwavering commitment to children’s wellbeing, Amie continues to be a driving force in ensuring Ferndene is a safe, nurturing environment where every child feels valued and has the opportunity for a brighter future.

Hollydene Registered Manager

Paul began his career in 2001 supporting young people with learning disabilities at the David Lewis Centre, before moving to Woodlands Short Breaks Service with the Together Trust. Over the next 15 years, he worked his way up to Senior, leading staff to provide the highest standards of care and helping young people grow in self-confidence, develop new skills, and prepare for adulthood.


After a short spell with Supportability, running an activity weekend programme, Paul returned to Woodlands before joining the Seashell Trust in 2020 as a Night Manager. He progressed to Deputy Manager of Children’s Services before joining Hollydene as Deputy Manager in September 2022. In September 2024, he became Manager, and by March 2025 he was officially registered with Ofsted.


Paul is proud of the incredible team at Hollydene, who work hard to provide children with opportunities to have new experiences, have fun, and feel safe and supported. His focus is on ensuring Hollydene remains a home where children can achieve positive outcomes, build confidence, and feel valued every single day.