Prince William calls for shift in attitudes to care sector after video call with home care worker

The Duke of Cambridge spoke to five keyworkers from the care sector in a video call and thanked them for the “fantastic job” they are doing during the pandemic, saying “it’s hugely appreciated and acknowledged”.

He added: “I hope we see a shift in attitudes towards the care sector and an appreciation for all the wonderful things you all do.”

Prince William wanted to find out from those on the frontline of care what their experience of working during COVID-19 is like, how it has changed the way they delivered care and how the job has affected their wellbeing.

Keyworkers included Suraya Alvi, senior caregiver from Home Instead Stockport

The 42-year-old told the Prince William, “the main thing we face is uncertainty from clients. We aim to reassure them that we will still provide the best level of care regardless of the pandemic.

“The main aspect is keeping people safe in their homes at this time and providing that level of care that we did before but just with the added PPE and handwashing.”

She spoke about the mental strain on both the home care workers and the people they care for, revealing “the main thing is keeping well emotionally, and it can be really tough”.

“We have a support system at the office and wellbeing sessions, and you can always pick up the phone and chat to people. The office sends us thank-you notes and leave gifts on our doorstep, it’s lovely,” said Ms Alvi.

She talked to Prince William about how she had been enjoying cooking at home with her 21-year-old daughter and how it helped with their mental health during this time.

She said: “We’ve done gyoza, Japanese dumplings, have you heard of them?’ to which Prince William replied “no, that’s very exotic, I’ll have to google it!”.

Call with HRH shone a light on "amazing work of care workers"

The call was set up by the Care Workers Charity which exists to support current and former care workers with one-off crisis grants and advice.

Karolina Gerlich, executive director of the Care Workers Charity, said: “The call was a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the amazing work of care workers and we really appreciate Suraya’s input from a home care point of view. HRH really took time to find out what it was like working in care, hear some of the challenges and recognise the important job our care workers do.

“To receive this dedicated interest from the Duke of Cambridge means so much to us as a sector. The past couple of months haven’t been easy for any of us, but care workers have been on the frontline caring and going above and beyond against all the odds. It meant so much to the care workers who spoke to the Duke of Cambridge to receive such genuine and warm interest. We can’t him enough for his support."

Suraya 'was flying the flag' for the home care sector

Martin Jones, chief executive of Home Instead Senior Care UK added: “We were absolutely thrilled for one of our caregivers to be part of this conversation with royalty – Suraya truly was flying the flag for both Home Instead and the home care sector.

"To hear His Royal Highness acknowledge the public’s increased awareness of care and to directly thank care workers was also really inspiring. We’re so proud to Suraya for being involved in this and a huge thanks to the Care Workers Charity for setting it up.”

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