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 at Windsor Castle showcased the work of caring professionals, as well as foster carers, young carers, NHS staff and unpaid carers looking after friends or family members.
Dr Hayley Richards 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 and contributing positively to the wider health and social care landscape.
Hayley said, “It was a real honour to attend the reception and to represent Abbeyfield alongside carers, staff and volunteers from so many different organisations. It was incredibly moving to see carers’ collective contribution to the health and social care landscape recognised in this way.”
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 supporting the residents and the people who care for them.
"It was a privilege to attend the reception and to represent Abbeyfield”, she said. “I was very proud to be there on their behalf of the staff team in Milnthorpe.”
There were also two representatives 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 has a lovely nature about her. You can tell that she really cares, and I truly believe she was born to do this job.”
Sazan said, “It was a great honour to attend the reception and meet The King, The Queen and the Prime Minister.
“I had the chance to tell His Majesty about my job, and he said what an important role we play and thanked me, and all the staff at Abbeyfield, for the great work we do.
“The Prime Minister seemed to understand that it is a difficult job to have, but very rewarding, and he shared with me how proud he is of his sister, who is a care assistant.”
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.”
She continued, “Jay is a trusted and respected member of our team, and his contribution is greatly appreciated by the residents and their families alike.”
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