Meet Wrekin's Christmas Heroes
Meet some of the incredible frontline workers who will be giving up their Christmas day this year to look after those who need support and friendship.
At Ashwood in Oswestry, an extra care scheme for over 55s operated by the Wrekin Housing Group, a team of key workers, including carers will be putting their own plans aside to ensure others have all the support they need this Christmas day.
Kirsty Rowley has worked as a support worker since 2019 and will be working from Christmas eve to Boxing day. Her Christmas day would normally be spent with her husband and her 14-year-old daughter:
Kirsty said: “We’ve moved house this year so this is our first Christmas in our new home. We’ve made it all Christmassy. My husband will have dinner ready for when I finish work.”
Kirsty talks about how special the atmosphere is at Christmas time, even for those who will be spending it without family.
She added: “They have a really nice dinner here and some have visits from family. The Christmas spirit is here, you can feel it. They do appreciate the fact that we’re here with them rather than at home with our families. I’ve done other jobs that haven’t been in care and it’s not as rewarding. Something so small means a lot to that person.”
Christmas day as a Support Worker starts with getting residents up and ready for the day, managing medications, responding to any emergencies and, in many cases, being the only friend some people will see that day.
When you sit down for your festive dinner, spare a thought for support workers like Karlo Mediana, 36, who will be helping to look after elderly residents at Withywood, an extra care scheme for the over 55s which is operated by the Wrekin Housing Group.
Instead of opening presents with his wife and two-year-old son, Karlo will be putting his own plans aside to ensure others have all the support they need this Christmas day. Has worked has a support worker at Withywood for over 5 years.
Karlo moved to the area from the Philippines around six years ago, and is now proud to call Shropshire is home.
Karlo said. “It’s hard being away from my family on Christmas Day, but I’m dedicated to my job. For some of the residents, we are their only family so it’s a privilege to spend time with them over the festive period.
“I’m working throughout Christmas Day, and I’m also sleeping in in case anyone needs some support during the night. “I do love working here at Withywood. Many of the residents may not be able to see their family over Christmas so we try to make it as special as we can for them.
“My family will spend Christmas Day with some friends, so they’re not missing out. We will celebrate with each other on Boxing Day. There is a lovely atmosphere here at Withywood on Christmas Day, so I can enjoy spending it with my extended work family!”
Arnold Bunjo, 45 from Stafford, who will be helping to look after elderly residents at Elmwood in Staffordshire.
Instead of spending time with his nine-year-old son, Arnold will be helping residents with basic needs - including meal preparation, administering medications and being a friendly face to talk to.
Arnold is no stranger to working Christmas Day, having previously spent 17 years working as a chef. Following the pandemic, he decided a career change was in order and decided to pursue a career in care. After completing his training, he joined Elmwood earlier this year.
Arnold said: “It’s a hugely rewarding role. The staff work tirelessly here at Elmwood and I think the residents are very grateful for the work we all do.
“When you see a resident smiling because you’ve had a positive impact on their day – you can’t put a price on that.
“It will be hard not spending the day with my boy, but many of our residents may not be able to see their family over Christmas, so we are going to try and make it as special as possible for them. I am off on Boxing Day so I will celebrate with him then.
“It’s also the first Christmas where I won’t have to cook the dinner, which is a bonus!
Julie Williams has been a Support Worker at Ashwood for nearly two years and will be working on Christmas day for the second year in a row. Although she would normally be spending the day at home with her husband and son, she will be joined at Ashwood by her parents, who moved in last year.
Julie said: “I go home knowing they’re safe. It’s about being together and being with your family so as long as I get to see them some part of the day that’s all that matters. If being here brings someone who lives on their own a smile then it makes their day a bit better.”
22nd December 2022