Bluebird Care celebrates 'selfless' and inspirational care workers on International Women's Day

International Women’s Day 2021 is Monday 8 March and home care provider Bluebird Care wanted to celebrate some of their most inspirational care workers who have shown ‘bravery and heroism’ throughout their careers and lives.

Over the last year, the incredible work of those in the care sector has been highlighted, as care providers have navigated the most difficult challenge of recent years, Covid-19.

Many women at Bluebird Care have shown great tenacity in overcoming trauma, inspiring their team, and going above and beyond to help Bluebird Care customers.

Harriet Webber, head of recruitment and marketing at Bluebird Care’s Lincolnshire franchise was sexually assaulted at the age of 13 by a friend’s stepdad at a sleepover. The aftermath was incredibly traumatic for her with school bullying, police interviews, and court cases.

Ms Webber was affected by the abuse for years to come. She had a son when she was 16 who she knew she needed to provide for and began working for Bluebird Care Lincoln.

Ms Webber said: “Joining Bluebird Care Lincoln was the best thing I ever did, I started to love my customers and I would be excited to see them every day. I cared so much for people and never wanted anyone to feel as lonely as I had done. I wanted to be their friend and a person they could love and trust, and I was. That feeling is like no other.

“I have worked hard and I am now head of recruitment and marketing, I get to give people their dream jobs and support them along the way. I hear many stories similar to my own, but they all have one thing in common, they want to help make a difference to others.

“If I can get to where I am today, anyone can!”

'Their stories of bravery, heroism and selflessness inspire us all'

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.

Bluebird Care care assistants have continued to work throughout the pandemic, putting all personal problems aside to provide high quality care to their customers. Pauline Jones is a 67-year-old care professional at Bluebird Care Swindon. Ms Jones has suffered with her own health issues, including a broken hip and a broken wrist, yet following a short period of recovery, she continued to care for her customers. Furthermore, Ms Jones received the terrible news a couple of months ago that her son-in-law had tragically passed away.

After a few days caring for her daughter, Ms Jones went back to work, showing resilience as she continued to provide support to those who need it.

Covid-19 has been a challenge for all those working in care, Siham Akka, registered care manager at Bluebird Care Greenwich, has been the first to visit any customers with suspected Covid-19 symptoms to help ensure the rest of her team are protected from the virus. She is passionate about providing the best quality palliative care and has often visited customers all hours of the day and night to ensure they are comforted with companionship and dignity.

Carole Casey, care assistant at Bluebird Care Docklands, gave up time with her family to work on Christmas Day to ensure none of her customers spent Christmas alone. Since joining the company two and a half years ago, every Christmas, Ms Casey has delivered home-cooked food to customers who may otherwise spend the holiday season alone.

Hannah Banfield, marketing and communications director at Bluebird Care, said: “We want to say a huge thank you and recognise all of the incredible women who work for Bluebird Care across our franchise network. Their stories of bravery, heroism and selflessness inspire us all.

“This International Women’s Day we want to recognise Bluebird Care’s wonderful women, who continue to go above and beyond to support their colleagues and customers.”

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