“Didn’t Expect To Stay When Started” Says Staff Member At Newport Pagnell Home Who Celebrates 30 Year Work Anniversary

Jo Cassidy (R) is presented with her long service certificate by home manager Julie Roche

A staff member at a Newport Pagnell home has celebrated 30 years at her workplace and says she “didn’t expect to stay when started”

Jo Cassidy works at MHA Westbury Grange and started her journey with the care home back in 1994.

Jo joined as a night care assistant as it fitted well with her life at the time, when she was a young mum.

She moved up into an admin assistant role in 2012 before applying and moving up as an administration manager, which is the role she currently is in.

To mark her 30 years the home manager Julie Roche arranged a party where she presented Jo with some flowers, a certificate and some vouchers.

Speaking after the party Jo said:’
‘ I joined MHA Westbury Grange in 1994 and didn’t really know if it was for me and did not expect to stay this long when I started.

“Now 30 years later, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions of my life, the home is like a second family for me.

“I really enjoy my job, due to being here for so long, I have met some amazing people, whether that is my colleagues, residents and even their family members.

“I am the go to person at the home and it’s something I love, it’s not just a job, it’s a massive part of my life.

“We have had some tough times, the pandemic is something that springs to mind but we worked through it and came out stronger.

“I remember working as a chef for 47 days during that period due to staff shortages, but we carried on.

“I don’t think I can do anything else and have no plans to move on but would perhaps look into developing further.

“My advice for anyone starting off in care is you have to have a desire and a want to care, every day is different you will have some good/bad days, but most importantly your heart needs to be in it.”