Local caregivers named ‘pandemic heroes’

by | May 25, 2021 | Dartford News, Health, Welfare

Caregivers from Home Instead Dartford, a local home care company, have recently been recognised for the key role they played in keeping the local community safe and well throughout the pandemic, being awarded with the ‘Swanscombe Pandemic Hero Award’.

Home Instead provides care services to older and vulnerable people within their own homes; something which has been crucial for many throughout the pandemic. Its caregivers have helped minimise the physical contact that many older people have had with other people, reducing their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

The Swanscombe Town Council ran a campaign asking its community to nominate ‘pandemic heroes’ to publicly recognise and acknowledge people in their area who have gone above and beyond to support others during the pandemic.

The caregivers at Home Instead Dartford were pleased to receive the ‘Swanscombe Pandemic Hero Award’ at the most recent town council meeting, held virtually on Zoom. The award recognises their dedication to caring for older local people throughout the lockdown periods, and keeping them safe and well within their own homes.

They were also pleased to recently receive the award certificate from the Town Mayor, Councillor Lesley Howes, who visited their offices to congratulate them in person.

Owners of Home Instead Dartford, Ram Chandra Thapa and Christina Uppenkamp were delighted that their caregivers received the award. Ram comments: “We are so proud of our caregivers and there couldn’t be more deserving recipients of this award. They have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, devoted to providing high-quality home care to our clients, keeping them safe and thoroughly adapting to the changing regulations and guidance on PPE usage.”

Christina adds: “Not only have our team quickly adapted to new health and safety guidance, but they have kept clients entertained, occupied and stimulated throughout periods where they were disconnected from friends and family. We are very proud of our team!”

“It was great to meet the Mayor when she delivered the award certificate, something I know our caregivers really enjoyed. It is wonderful to feel like such an appreciated and respected part of the community, and our caregivers really are key-workers, so we are proud their roles have been recognised.”

To find out more about Home Instead Dartford and the home care services they provide throughout the area, please call 01322923750 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford

The Ice Rink and Winterland to return to Bluewater this Christmas

Bluewater has announced that its Christmas activities, the Ice Rink and Winterland, are set to return for Christmas 2025.  The Ice Rink will return from Friday 7th November until Sunday 4th January 2025, whereas Winterland will be open from Saturday...

Rail regulator decision paves the way for return of international services to Ebbsfleet and Ashford

Dartford Borough Council remains committed to bringing international rail services to Kent, following today’s announcement from the Office of Rail and Road. A report released today by the rail regulator stops short of offering direct support to reopen services via...

New resource to help care home residents with eating and drinking

A new NHS resource, aimed at helping care home residents with common eating and drinking issues, is now live and ready to download. The Kent Manual for Mealtimes has been developed by NHS speech and language therapists and dietitians and is designed to help people...

First Lower Thames Crossing Skills Hub opens door to new jobs in Kent

National Highways has today (Wednesday 29 October) opened the first of its new Skills Hubs in Gravesend, to provide free work-based training for local people who want to join or learn new skills in the construction industry. The Lower Thames Crossing is one of...

JIM DICKSON MP VISITS ELLENOR’S NEW WELLBEING CENTRE

Dartford’s Labour MP, Jim Dickson, visited ellenor in Northfleet to hear first-hand how the charity supports people with life-limiting conditions and their families across North Kent and Bexley. During the visit, Mr Dickson toured ellenor’s new Wellbeing Centre in...

Kindness Community Celebrates Award Win, Expands Fundraising Efforts, and Inspires Acts of Kindness Nationwide

Kindness Community CIC has been busy spreading kindness far and wide, from crafting for charity and winning awards to raising awareness in Parliament. Recently, members of the Kindness Community have been handcrafting items to raise funds for the breast cancer charity...

Home Instead Dartford Wins ‘Good for the Community’ Award at Dartford Business Awards 2025

Home Instead Dartford, a leading local home care company, has been honoured with the 'Good for the Community' award at the prestigious Dartford Business Awards 2025, sponsored by Amazon LCY3. The award, presented at a ceremony held at Bluewater Shopping Centre,...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2025-26 | MEET GABBY HOWELL

Saturday saw Dartford take on Potters Bar Town at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Chris Palmer spoke to Dartford FC Women defender Gabby Howell, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Gabby Howell was...

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

Saturday saw Dartford take on Potters Bar Town at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Chris Palmer spoke to Sam Smith, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article: Sam Smith was signed at the start of the season,...

Charity Santa Flights at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent 

Raising important funds for childhood brainstem cancer charity, BLAZE   This December, Hangloose Adventure at Bluewater Shopping Centre, Kent, will be raising important funds for childhood brainstem cancer, BLAZE, with the return of its Charity Santa Flights. ...