Representatives from Abbeyfield houses and homes were honoured to attend the Together at Christmas Royal Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on Friday 6th December.
Hosted by HRH the Princess of Wales and supported by the Royal Foundation, the event brought together and recognised those who have gone above and beyond to help others in their communities throughout the year.
We were invited to select four people to attend the event, the purpose of which was to ‘thank those who have been there for others during life’s challenging times, showing empathy, love and kindness.’
Being granted places at the Abbey continues a longstanding tradition of royal support for our organisation, and we have enjoyed the patronage of His Majesty, King Charles, for 45 years. The King maintains a keen interest in our work and has in the past lent his name to our Royal Patron’s Awards, presented to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the organisation.
Valerie Bird, a resident at Hope Bank View independent living complex in Sunderland, was nominated to attend the Carol Service for her work in founding and running a weekly Knit and Natter group for her fellow residents, at which they make blankets for a local hospice and baby care unit. On top of this, Valerie organises a weekly bingo session, which is always popular and well-attended. She has also been a volunteer for Age UK for many years and was a councillor for MIND.
Caroline Edis, who has volunteered for over two years at Pratt House care home in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, was also nominated to attend the Carol Service. Whenever she visits, Caroline takes the time to talk to each individual resident, lifting the mood with her positive attitude and great sense of humour, and as a result is counted as a friend by many of them. She also gives invaluable support to the staff team, so that they can provide an array of events and activities that ensure the residents remain stimulated and have the opportunity to socialise with their fellow residents and others from the local area.
Alongside Caroline and Valerie, who give their time for free, two members of staff were also chosen to attend the Carol Service.
Geraldine Maguire is the House Manager at St Finnian’s sheltered housing scheme, part of Abbeyfield Belfast, and has recently surpassed 30 years of working there, having started as a carer in her twenties. She focuses much of her effort not only on the day-to-day running of the house, but also in establishing it as a focal point of the city, by championing and raising awareness of the crucial services it provides. In doing so, Geraldine manages to realise one of Abbeyfield’s founding principles: that all residents should feel connected to, and a valued part of, their local community.
The final nominee was Jay Ward, the Activities Coordinator at Abbeyfield House care home in New Malden, Surrey. Aside from organising a great programme of activities for the residents, Jay strives to involve others in the community in many of his events, including a recent Pride festival, which reflected his passion for Abbeyfield’s core values of equality, diversity and inclusion. He also organises a unique monthly coffee morning at the home for people from the local neighbourhood who have a loved one living with dementia, giving them the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge, develop their understanding of the condition and create an invaluable support network.
Jay said, “It was an honour to be chosen to attend the carol service at Westminster Abbey, and I was proud to be there representing Abbeyfield; I felt like I was flying the flag for my fellow colleagues and the volunteers who support us, all who go above and beyond to support our residents continuously, especially at this time of year. It was a truly unforgettable occasion, a highlight in my career, and one I’ll never forget”.
Abbeyfield Living Society CEO, Paul Tennant, said,“It is a great honour for Abbeyfield to be represented at this special event.
“Our staff are tremendous in their dedication to our residents, and we are grateful to the team of volunteers, whose support enables us to enhance the services we provide.
“We also have a proud tradition of empowering residents to use their invaluable skills, expertise and experience within their Abbeyfield community, take ownership of the activities they enjoy and maintain a sense of purpose in later life.
“We look forward to continuing to celebrate the contributions of our residents, staff and volunteers, and our Patronage with His Majesty.”
The service will be broadcast on Christmas Eve on ITV1.
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