Our Story
We founded Oak and Ivy Home Support Ltd with a simple yet profound belief: that aging should be a time of grace, not a burden. Our journey began with a commitment to providing compassionate companionship and practical home support, ensuring that every senior can maintain their independence in the familiar comfort of their own home. We believe in the power of connection and the quiet strength of a well-supported life.
Our Team
Hi, I’m Sue, Co-Founder of Oak and Ivy and I’m so pleased to be starting this new chapter back in the UK.
Twenty-five years ago, I made the big move to Spain with my parents, and it became my home for many wonderful years. Life hadn’t always been easy. After losing my little boy, Daniel, at just 10 months old to Ohtahara syndrome, a rare and devastating form of epilepsy, moving to Spain with my parents felt like an opportunity to start living again. It was a huge change, but one that shaped so much of who I am today.
I’ve always had a passion for all things beauty and style — hair, nails, make-up, clothes and accessories. I trained as a Hairdresser and Nail Technician and was fortunate enough to find a wonderful salon in Spain, where I spent the last 10 years doing what I love: helping people feel good about themselves.
My years in Spain also brought another very important chapter in my life. When my Dad was diagnosed with kidney cancer, he made it very clear that he wanted to remain at home rather than go into residential care or a hospice. I became his carer and was able to support him in staying at home and maintaining as much independence as possible, alongside the wonderful cancer nurses who cared for him medically.
When my Mum became ill two years after Dad passed away, I was able to do the same for her. She too wanted to remain at home, and it was incredibly important to me to help make that possible.
After Mum passed away, I spent another 18 months living in Spain on my own. Although I had loved my life there, I found myself feeling lonely and had lost some of my sense of purpose. With my family back in the UK encouraging me to come home, I finally took the plunge and returned in January 2026.
It has been quite an adventure — getting used to driving on the other side of the road, the British weather, the cost of living and finding my feet again after 25 years away! My sisters kept reminding me that I had already done exactly this once before when I moved to Spain, and they were right.
So here I am, starting again.
I’m looking forward to meeting new clients, having a good old chat and, most importantly, helping people feel pampered, confident and like themselves.
For me, grooming isn't simply about hair, nails or looking your best. It’s about maintaining your identity, your confidence and your independence for as long as possible — and making sure you have someone to talk to along the way.
I can’t wait to meet you. ❤️
Sue Lopez
I’m Jannette, also co-founder of Oak & Ivy Home Support, a business I set up with my sister, Sue, because we share a passion for helping people stay independent, happy and comfortable in their own homes.
Before starting Oak & Ivy, I spent five years working at Rose Cottage Care Home in Broughton as part of the Activities Team. I absolutely loved my time there. I especially enjoyed getting to know the residents, having a chat over a cup of tea, playing cards and games, and finding ways to help people continue doing the things they enjoyed. Most importantly, I loved helping residents maintain their independence and sense of identity.
That experience made me realise that many people are choosing to remain in their own homes for much longer, while moving into residential care can sometimes feel like a huge and unwanted step. I began thinking about how we could offer the companionship, practical help and personal support people need, without them having to leave the home they love. With Sue's experience and talents alongside mine, Oak & Ivy was born.
My sister Sue has recently returned to the UK after living in Spain, where she cared for our parents until they sadly passed away. While in Spain, Sue also worked in a salon and developed her skills in hair, nails and beauty. Together, we hope to offer something a little different—support that looks after the whole person, not just their practical needs.
I have always been involved in supporting people and my local community. When my children were young, I was a registered childminder, and I have also enjoyed a career in sales and marketing. I set up the Ramsey OCD and Anxiety Support Group, which I facilitated for five years, and I continue to support the local community through my involvement with the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club.
Supporting the Armed Forces community is particularly close to my heart. My husband served in the RAF for 17 years, while his father and brother served in the Army, and my uncle and grandfather served in the Navy. I helped establish the Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club breakfasts at The White Lion in Bury and still help with the group's Facebook administration. Oak & Ivy has also signed the Armed Forces Covenant to demonstrate our commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
Mental health awareness is another important part of my life. I describe myself as an expert by experience, having supported my husband through around ten years of OCD and anxiety. He has worked hard to learn how to manage it, and although some days are still more difficult than others, he is now able to manage his condition much more effectively. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of patience, compassion, listening and simply being there for someone.
Throughout my time working in care, I kept my training up to date, including safeguarding, health and safety, infection control, manual handling, emergency response, RIDDOR, residents' rights, the Mental Capacity Act and dementia care. I also hold a Level 3 Food Hygiene certificate.
For me, Oak & Ivy is about more than providing a service. It is about helping people feel valued, listened to and independent, while giving families reassurance that someone is there to provide a little extra support.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to combine my experience, my passion for helping others and my love of community to do something that I truly believe can make a difference.
Helping you live independently, your way, in the place you call home.