Carers from company Home Instead Dartford have been praised for the key role they played in keeping the community safe throughout the pandemic.

The Swanscombe based company's work - caring for older and vulnerable people within their own homes - prompted town councillors to award them with the Swanscombe Pandemic Hero Award.

Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council ran a campaign asking people to nominate pandemic heroes to publicly recognise those who have gone above and beyond to support others during the pandemic.

Home Instead's carers were presented with the award at the most recent council meeting, held virtually on Zoom, recognising their dedication to caring for older people throughout lockdown periods.

It was noted how their work was crucial in helping to minimise the physical contact that many older people had with other people, reducing their risk of exposure to coronavirus.

Town Mayor Councillor Lesley Howes visited their offices to congratulate the staff in person and present their certificate. Company owners Ram Chandra Thapa and Christina Uppenkamp said they were delighted with the award.

“We are so proud of our caregivers and there couldn’t be more deserving recipients of this award," said Ram. "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 added: “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 01322 923750 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/dartford/

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