#CelebratingSocialCare: diversity and dedication in care
29 Apr 2024
4 min read
Throughout April we’re #CelebratingSocialCare and all the great work happening across the sector. We asked you to send in your good news stories and we’ll be sharing these throughout the month. Today we have two brilliant and positive stories from a diverse workplace and an inspirational carer.
Steep House celebrates diversity
Steep House nursing home, part of The Future Care Group, are joining in on #CelebratingSocialCare this month by recognising their team of wonderful people including carers, nurses, activity staff, catering, housekeeping, maintenance and administrative staff.
The Future Care group has 18 homes around the country. Steep House is a small, homely, 56 bed nursing home that supports mostly people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. They strive to provide excellent, person-centred care to all residents and give them their best life possible.
Steep House have been celebrating the different cultures represented by their staff, including celebrating Romanian Unification Day in December. Romanian staff pulled out all the stops to bring a taste of their beautiful country.
A large, delicious feast of some of their local dishes was put out for the rest of the staff and the residents to taste. Romanian folk music was played, scenes of the country on the TV screen and the staff in some of their local dress.
March was a busy month as they started with St David’s Day and an afternoon tea which included Welsh cakes made by the Welsh staff.
This was followed by a day celebrating Bangladesh Independence Day. As before, they spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying the delicious food and chatting to the Bangladeshi staff and their partners.
In April they have also celebrated St George’s day and South Africa’s Freedom Day. Over the next few months, they plan to celebrate days for Thailand, the Philippines, India and Nigeria to cover all the nationalities represented by the staff.
The team feels it is important that everyone knows that their differences are something that should be celebrated, whatever the background, ethnicity, or beliefs. Diversity in the workplace can enhance creativity and encourages the introduction of new perspectives, skills, and knowledge.
Ana, carer from Romania, said:
The day is to celebrate the union of Transylvania with Romania. We dress and cook traditionally, there are military parades, ceremonies and wreath laying. It is great to be able to share this with the people I work with.
Opeyemi shares her story
Opeyemi Mariam Alabede works for Hartwig Care as a healthcare assistant, and she has decided to share some of her favourite parts about her job, providing us with an inspiring story of her experience as a carer.
It provides me with numerous opportunities that have completely changed my perspective on life.
I love the fact that I am making a difference in other people’s lives. I know that what I do helps them maintain their independence in their own homes. My clients are always happy to see me walking through the door, and I love seeing them every day.
Caring for other people makes me feel valued. You can’t beat the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped put a smile on someone’s face.
My personal connection to the care sector runs deep. I come from a diverse family background where from a young age we are taught to care and show love not just to ourselves but to the elderly and vulnerable in our homes and society, so caring is just a big part of me.
I enjoy what I do because it allows me to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day. Being able to support others through their challenges brings me fulfilment and purpose. It’s rewarding to be someone they can rely on for comfort and assistance. Knowing that I’m making a difference motivates me to continue giving my best in care work. Ultimately, it’s a privilege to be entrusted with the well-being and happiness of those I care for. As domiciliary carers, we provide the opportunity for people to remain largely independent in their own homes instead of having to rely on family and friends who have their own busy lives.
Being part of the care sector is not just a job for me; it’s a calling. I’m committed to making a positive impact every day and feel privileged to contribute to the well-being of others through my work at Hartwig Care.
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