Taking 5 with Rebecca Newman-Smith of Ashton Care

At My Sisters’ House, we are fortunate to work alongside incredible people who are passionate about making a difference in our community. One of those people is Rebecca Newman-Smith, Managing Director of Ashton Care, whose commitment to supporting local charities, community groups and vulnerable individuals has had a lasting impact across Bognor Regis and beyond.

Rebecca Newman-Smith, Ashton Care

From helping organisations secure vital funding for essential equipment and resources to championing wellbeing, inclusion and community spirit, Rebecca leads with kindness, purpose and a belief that small acts can create meaningful change. We caught up with her to talk about leadership, community, confidence and the exciting projects Ashton Care is working on to support local people.

Care work is deeply personal, and trust is at the heart of everything. How do you create a culture where both clients and staff feel respected, valued and safe?

Rebecca: Good question. We try not to overcomplicate things and keep it simple. Step 1. This involves everyone in the organisation being on the same team, with the same uniting force. Step 2. We make a conscious effort to role model the behaviour we want to see and treat each individual in the way we want to be treat. If I was in their position, trying to walk in their shoes how would I want to be treated? If we ask these questions enough it becomes habit and it becomes infectious. 

We know that community impact matters, and Ashton Care has made a real difference to the people and families it supports. Can you share a little about how you have contributed to your local community and what that means to you?

Rebecca: I think any organisation that supports vulnerable people has to really care. Not just about those that pay to use a service. That’s not really caring. But about anyone and everyone that needs a helping hand. I was once asked a question when interviewed “what do you bring to the area to make it better”. I felt that was not the right question. I  instead think the question should be “what can we do to make the area better”. We all have different strengths, resources and capacity. Small acts of kindness can have a huge impact. The butterfly effect is a great synopsis of this. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we all cared more for each other so that in our business our mental health services, and in MSH’s work, that we helped people so much that we effectively made our organisations redundant? How much more enriched and fulfilled would our lives be?

Our greatest gift is that we have the ability to change someone’s day in an instant. What a power. We all need people and if we all built each other up to be the best versions of ourselves, how much more could our community achieve?

For me I believe no person can do it on their own, and that’s why the community of friends, businesses, charities, and people are so important. Without each other what do we really have? With each other, how much more do we have? 

Taking the next step in your career or starting a business can feel both exciting and daunting. Many women worry about confidence, risk and managing other responsibilities alongside their ambitions. What advice would you share with women who are considering taking that next step?

Rebecca: In the right context I think the saying “ignorance is bliss” is great. Because when you see possibilities and focus on those you find solutions. This directs your energy away from creating mental barriers that stop you in your tracks. We all have untapped potential. No matter who you are, the choices you have made or what path you have walked. So build yourself up and keep close to the people that build you up too. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself credit and take the time to recognise the achievements you have made. It’s easy to overlook this. But building in time to make a conscious effort to reflect and get positive feedback from others really can energise you. Never under estimate the power of positivity!

Thank you for those wonderful words Rebecca, do you have any news or projects you would like to share?

Rebecca: We are working on some innovative ways to break down barriers and stigma to accessing physical and mental health support. This includes our website resource hub and short form videos. We want people to pick the right support for them first time and know that, whilst it can be daunting or scary, it can help someone transition from existing to living. Because people deserve to be happy. 

We are also hoping to hit a HUGE milestone this year. Within the coming months, through supporting organisations like My Sisters’ House, volunteering, donating and fundraising we hope to have given back over £100,000 in value back to our local community. This has been since 2023 when I was privileged to take over as Managing Director. This is huge because that has gone to supporting vulnerable people, those lacking support, charities needing funding. This is the butterfly effect in full force! Small acts across our organisation helping make our area a better place for us all!