Whitstable Carer Marks 45 Years Working For Country’s Largest Charitable Care Provider
July 1980, and as the world was getting used to the new decade, a 17-year-old Ann Campbell was entering life as a carer with Methodist Homes (MHA).
45 years on and Ann (62) has been marking her work anniversary at MHA Bradbury Grange in Whitstable, where she is now a senior carer.
Ann started her career with MHA at Cliff Dene in Tankerton. Initially most of the team lived in at the home, sleeping in their own rooms or in their own flat. Those who worked the later shift from 2pm to 9pm would be on call overnight if residents needed anything but, as Ann recalled, they often weren’t disturbed at all. Another big change to when Ann first started is that carers did not have to wear a uniform in the 1980s.
In 2010, MHA closed Cliff Dene because of the unsuitability of the building and Ann, together with residents, moved to the newly purchased MHA Bradbury Grange on Canterbury Road, where she now works as a senior carer.
Colleagues and residents helped Ann celebrate her 45 years with the country’s largest charitable care provider, which runs 75 care homes across England and Wales, marking the occasion with an afternoon tea party. Ann is MHA’s longest serving employee.
After finishing school at St Matthew’s in her home town of Rochester, Ann went on to study social care at college, her interest having been sparked by her involvement at her local church with the Girls Friendly Society. With them, she used to visit residents, helping put on parties for them to mark events such as Christmas.
Ann remarked: “I never thought I would stay 45 years in care. It has been a really enjoyable time with lots of laughter but not without its challenges. But I would do it all again as I have enjoyed it.”
She adds: “Another challenge is that because you get so attached to your residents, you do get emotional when they die because you are losing someone from your work family. Covid was also hard for us but we had a very good team working together.”
One of Ann’s highlights was being interviewed by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Rev Justin Welby, for his New Year address in 2023 which focused on social care.
MHA regional director Amanda Weir got to know Ann ten years ago when she was first the area manager with responsibility for MHA Bradbury Grange. She said: “What has always struck me about Ann is her calmness, kindness and sincerity even when times are challenging. Ann has spent a huge part of her life supporting residents, relatives, colleagues, volunteers, visitors and in fact everyone who sets foot inside the door of MHA Bradbury Grange.
“Ann always has a smile, is always welcoming, is always willing to share her knowledge and is always there supporting, caring and nurturing.”
