My name is Michele Simon and I run a values-based at-home care company called Bridewell Care. We provide support for people who, although aging, want to remain at home. Often all they need is some companionship and a bit of help round the house or some support after an operation to get them back on their feet.

How long have you lived in the area?

18 years.

What brought you here?

My partner, now my husband, lived here.  He told me he loved East Dulwich and wasn’t going to move out to Woking. So, I had to move to Dulwich!  It was however a good choice and I’ve never looked back.

What’s changed most during that time?

Pretty much everything – new shops, new bars, new restaurants – and loads of children.  You never used to see a child but now there are loads of families living here.  It’s been good for the area.

What do you most value about the area/street you live in?

I like being within walking distance of everything – shops, coffee shops, the train station, the park – and the fact we still have free parking on the street.

What one thing would you change?

Because I live in a flat, the council won’t give us a bin and we have to leave rubbish out on the streets for collection – it really ruins the look and feel of the area.

What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?

Coffee shops.  I adore them – as somewhere that lets me rewind, have new ideas and deep discussions as well as trivial socialising. What did we all do before coffee shops? I can’t live without them in my life – and we have so many to choose from living near Lordship Lane.

The most famous person you’ve seen or met?

I used to live with Twiggy’s sister – so I got to meet Twiggy who is such a nice person – down to earth and very engaging.

Café, pub or bar?

It’s really difficult to answer this question because there are so many places to choose – but I think it has to be The Greyhound pub in the Village with its friendly staff, good food, a great beer garden. Just a fabulous place to go on a summer evening.

What’s your favourite place to go for a drink?

Probably House of Tippler. Tim is really friendly, as are the staff – and they play the best tunes where if you fancy it you can have a bop and not feel embarrassed.

The best kept secret…

There is an orchard in Melbourne Grove.

Where’s your favourite place to walk?

It has to be Dulwich Park, first thing on a summer morning, when there’s not many people around. You can stare at a blue sky and look at the trees – and imagine that you are out in the countryside somewhere.

If money was no object…

I’d offer my company’s services for free – to everyone who needed them.   It’s that important to me.

www.bridewellcare.co.uk