Local care company ‘highly commended’ in national awards

by | Jun 14, 2021 | Dartford Business, Dartford News, Welfare

Home Instead Dartford, a local home care company was recently ‘Highly Commended’ at the Home Care Awards 2021, which recognises the best home care providers across the UK.

The company based in Swanscombe, was ‘highly commended’ in the category of ‘Best start-up home care service or new franchisee’. Having only opened their business in June 2019, owners Christina Uppenkamp and Ram Chandra Thapa have seen fantastic initial success since they launched.

Since launching, the business has expanded its care services, currently employing 40 members of staff who have collectively provided 20,000 hours of care to elderly people in the local area. They have also enrolled 25% of their staff on NVQ levels 2 and 3 training. The company is also an active local employer, currently looking to take on a number of new caregivers throughout the area.

Throughout the pandemic, the company started various initiatives to keep up the morale of clients and caregivers during a difficult time. They distributed care packages to their caregivers, with Christina knitting face-mask extenders to keep caregivers comfortable in PPE, as well as arranging wellbeing sessions for employees.

They were recently recognised as a 5* employer by independent research company WorkBuzz due to the overwhelmingly positive feedback from an employees and clients.

Christina comments: “Ram and I are overjoyed to have been named as ‘highly commended’ for this category in the Home Care Awards 2021. We launched our business with the aim to extend our family values to the local community, providing care we would want for our own family members to individuals across Dartford and the surrounding areas.

“We are so pleased that our hard work and dedication has been recognised through these national awards which hold so much importance in our sector. We look forward to continuing caring for seniors across the local area for many, many more years!”

For more information about Home Instead Dartford and the home care services they provide, please call 01322 923750 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford

PANTOMIME FAVOURITE JOE PASQUALE TO STAR IN CINDERELLA AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE

As the clock ticks closer to the biggest ball of the year, The Orchard Theatre is thrilled to announce that Panto Legend JOE PASQUALE is set to return to Dartford later this year to star in the spectacular family pantomime CINDERELLA. A firm favourite with panto...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET SAM ODAUDU

Dartford took on Lewes last month. Chris Palmer spoke to Sam Odaudu, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: This is Sam Odaudu's fourth full season as a Dartford player. Since making his debut in his...

Ofsted praises Kent primary school in glowing inspection report

A primary school in Dartford has been praised across the board by Ofsted in a glowing inspection report. Inspectors said West Hill Primary Academy, part of the successful Golden Thread Alliance, had achieved a “strong standard” in personal development and wellbeing,...

Bluewater launches search for its first Chief Play Officer ahead of the opening of new play park this month

Bluewater has announced a recruitment drive to search for its first Chief Play Officer (CPO). The unique role has been created to celebrate the official opening of the centre’s transformed Wintergarden play area...

Primary Schools Invited to Join Exciting Community Art Exhibition and Charity Auction- ‘Characters from my favourite book’

Stephen Oliver: Studio & Gallery and We Are Beams are organising a special community art exhibition showcasing the creativity of primary school children to support a cause that makes a real difference to families in their local community. The collaboration invites...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET ELLIE DOLBY

Last month, Dartford took on Ramsgate. Chris Palmer spoke to Ellie Dolby, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Since her arrival from London City Lionesses at the beginning of last season, Ellie Dolby...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET GEORGE WHITEFIELD

Last month, Dartford took on Ramsgate. Chris Palmer spoke to George Whitefield, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Back in the 2023-24, George Whitefield made seven appearances (four starts) for the...

Local racer joins UK first all female MINI CHALLENGE racing team

Local racer Lexie Powell, West Kingsdown, has joined the Wera Alliance Racing Academy for a season in the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Championship. The cars are being run by Team Avago. Making up the rest of the are Ellena Reece, Beanie Reece and Liona Theobald. Lexie...

We Are Beams is delighted to announce that British racing driver Nicolas Hamilton has officially joined the charity as a Patron

Nicolas who is the half-brother of Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton made history by competing in the British Touring Car Championship while living with Cerebral Palsy. He is a living testament to the fact that a diagnosis does not have to define a...

“Do you know anyone  ageing  without children?  I bet you do!” 

Having recently been ill and having no children or partner to help me, it has become increasingly important for me to have contact with like-minded people. I am on Facebook so I have often looked at a website called “Ageing Without Children UK” (AWOC). I recently made...