Abbeyfield Carers Attend Special Royal Reception
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.
Abbeyfield, a not-for-profit providing residential care, housing and support for older people, was invited be represented by four people from across the organisation.
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.
“She is dedicated to Downing House and Abbeyfield and she 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.”
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, “It was a real honour to attend the reception and to represent Abbeyfield alongside carers, staff and volunteers from so many different organisations. The work they do every day has a profound impact on older people’s health, wellbeing and quality of life, and it was incredibly moving to see that 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 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.
“It was a privilege to attend the reception and to represent Abbeyfield. Meeting carers from across the country made me reflect on the incredible work done every day by our Director of Care and staff team at our home, and I was very proud to be there on their behalf.”
