Dedicated Carer Celebrated After Retiring 36 Years To The Day She Started Work In Social Care

Bourne lady, Janice Day, retires today following an incredible 36-year career in social care.

Mark Milton, CEO of UK charity care provider Ambient Support, joined via Zoom, together with colleagues from Lincolnshire where Janice has been part of the team caring for adults with learning disabilities, to pay tribute to her outstanding career.

At the surprise event, Janice was presented with gifts by Laura Jackson, Deputy Locality Manager, in recognition of her dedication and devotion to those she has cared for so passionately in Ambient’s supported living services.

Janice’s early career saw her working as an auxiliary nurse at St Peter’s Hospital in 1985. She later moved into social care and in 1997 she began working at Blackthorn Way where she has remained.

Blackthorn Way provides round the clock care for 4 adults with a learning disability and Janice has loved every minute of her job, stating that no day in the last 36 years has ever been the same.

“There is no such thing as an average day! I’m a carer, a cook, taxi driver, entertainer and cleaner – but most of all, I’m a friend. We are all things to the people we care for, but I’ve based my career on ensuring that I treat the people I support as I’d like to be treated myself. The last 36 years have not felt like a job. The staff and tenants at Blackthorn Way are my second family and I’ve known some of them since the service opened 24 years ago.”

Personal reasons have brought Janice’s retirement forward sooner than she had hoped; however, she is not stopping completely. Janice continues:

“I have decided to stay on as a volunteer. The tenants are my family and whilst I can’t work full time, I still have more to give, which volunteering will allow me to do.”

Mark Milton, CEO, praised Janice for her unwavering passion and dedication. He says:

 “Janice has worked tirelessly throughout her career to help people live individual lives and be supported in the best way for them. Her efforts are limitless and her contribution to both those she has cared for and staff members at Blackthorn Way are exceptional, she will be hugely missed.”