Carers and volunteers from Abbeyfield were honoured to attend a reception, hosted by Their Majesties The King and Queen, which shone a light on carers and their contributions to the social and health landscape of the UK.
The reception, which was held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday 11th February, showcased the work of caring professionals, as well as foster carers, young carers, NHS staff and unpaid carers looking after friends or family members.
Two representatives were from care homes operated by Abbeyfield Living Society – Sazan Rascool, a care team leader at Downing House in Manchester, and Jessan “Jay” Malagad, a care assistant at Sandwood in Nottingham.
Sazan was described by her colleagues as passionate about her role and extremely helpful, reliable and supportive of her team. Her manager, Lois Samuels, said,
“Sazan treats the residents like family, and the way she communicates with them day-to-day is really heartwarming."
Meanwhile, Jay was nominated for going the extra mile to ensure the residents at Sandwood are treated with dignity and respect. His manager, Asma Haque, praised his “positive attitude and willingness to support both residents and colleagues.”
Dr Hayley Richards also attended the reception, representing Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham Society. Hayley was nominated in recognition of the impact she has made in leading her local Abbeyfield society, supporting older people to live well and contributing positively to the wider health and social care landscape.
Hayley said,
"This was a wonderful opportunity to meet with others in the care sector and hear their stories, in the most amazing venue.”
“King Charles III greeted us all and remarked that he has been Abbeyfield’s patron for over 50 years.”
Mo Holland also attended, representing Abbeyfield Lakeland Extra Care Society in Milnthorpe, South Cumbria . Mo was nominated for the many years she has given voluntarily to being closely involved in the life of the home, supporting residents and the people who care for them, and for the difference that commitment makes every day. Leanne Scrogham, who accompanied Mo to the event, is the Registered Manager at Abbeyfield Lakeland Extra Care Society and Director of Care and Operations at Abbeyfield Furness Extra Care Society. She commented:
"Meeting the King was both humbling and inspiring. He was warm, engaging and genuinely interested in the conversations he was having. It was clear that he values the work being done across communities and organisations throughout the country and he is so proud to be patron of Abbeyfield England of which he said to me had proudly done this for 50 years."
"To speak about the work, we are so passionate about, in such an iconic setting, was a moment of immense pride. It was not just a personal milestone, but a recognition of the dedication and hard work of an entire team across Abbeyfield England."
The reception took place during a landmark year for Abbeyfield, as the charity celebrates its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of providing homes, care and companionship for older people across the UK and internationally.
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