Meet the Eastbourne team

• Dean Haffenden

  Registered General Manager

  I started my working journey in the hotel and restaurant industry. After 10 years I decided on a change and moved into the private care sector, where I have stayed for the last 20 years. During this time, I have worked in a variety of roles and most recently as Head of Hospitality. I have the belief that every single employee plays a huge role in the success of the home, so I feel that teamwork is a priority. My biggest accomplishment was leading a team to win the coveted National Association of Care Catering Award for Care Establishment of the Year. My favourite activity in my spare time is making memories with my family. 
• Abi Smith

  Deputy Manager

  I qualified as an enrolled Nurse in 1985, after this I worked at the William Harvey Hospital in Kent. I then moved to working with severely disabled adults within Social Services. Following time out to have my family, I returned to a care home environment and qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1993.  I then furthered my role working as a Senior Nurse and was instrumental in implementing the Gold Standard Framework within the care home I was then working in. I joined Beechwood Grove in 2018 as a Registered Nurse on the Nursing unit and progressed to become Clinical Lead in 2019.
• Iain Attwood

  Head of Hospitality

  I was born and raised  in Eastbourne and qualified as a Chef in 1983.  I worked in hotels in and around Eastbourne and progressed to Head Chef at the Afton Hotel in 1987.  After a brief move to the Isle of Wight where I was the Head Chef in one of the largest hotels on the island, I returned to Eastbourne and after working in various hotels, pubs, and restaurants I joined Beechwood Grove as Head Chef in July 2019. In May 2022, I was promoted to Head of Hospitality and oversee the kitchen, Lifestyles, and the newly appointed Hospitality Assistants. I have 4 children, all girls, and 4 grandchildren and I am an avid Arsenal fan!
• Kirsty Farmer

  Client Relations Assistant

  Before I joined Beechwood Grove, I had a range of roles, including driving double-deckers and bendy buses around Eastbourne and Brighton. I recently worked in the retirement sector as a property manager; the opportunity came to join the team at Beechwood Grove. In my spare time, I am a volunteer team leader for the local homeless charity, providing outreach sessions on the seafront in Eastbourne. My role involves showcasing our beautiful home to potential new residents and their families, guiding them through their journey to join Beechwood Grove. I also work closely with the Head of Hospitality, showcasing events at Beechwood Grove on social media and being the editor of the internal newsletter, the Beechwood Bugle.