Thursday 27th February 2025
Here to stay
Tyler Sewell-Nicholas
Lots of staff have been with Pilgrims’ Friend Society for many years. We spoke to long-serving team members John, Barbara and Vicky about what it is that’s made them stay
John, 42
Kitchen Assistant & Hummingbird, Emmaus House, Harrogate
John joined us 25 years ago after completing his GCSEs. “My dad told me I needed to get a job, so I approached the manager at Emmaus House in Harrogate, who also happened to go to my church,” he recalls. John already knew the home well – his grandmother had lived as a ‘family member’ (those who live with us) before moving to a nursing home. Starting with just a few hours a week in the late 1990s, John’s role gradually evolved. Today, he serves as a kitchen assistant in the mornings and a Hummingbird (providing one-on-one support to family members with dementia) in the afternoons. “I particularly enjoy making cakes and puddings for family members,” he says.
Over the years, John has witnessed significant changes at Emmaus House, including the introduction of more comprehensive dementia care training. “The insights into dementia have really helped me understand different behaviours and offer better support,” he explains.
What’s kept John at Pilgrims’ Friend Society for so long? For him, it’s the relationships. “Spending time with family members, helping them feel better, and seeing them smile is the best part of the job. I’ll never forget one family member, Brenda, who once thanked me for being her friend. That moment really touched me.”
John also treasures the Christian ethos of the organisation. “It’s rare to find a workplace where you can openly pray with people and hold devotions. It’s such a privilege to be able to help others in this way.”
Humour plays an important role in John’s work, too. “There was one lady who lived with us who was partially sighted. She mistook me for someone else and said I looked bigger than last time. We had a good laugh about it!”
Barbara, 60
Assistant Director of Operations, based from home in Caernarfon, North Wales but often on the road visiting our homes
Barbara joined us just over 25 years ago when she took on the role of Care Home Manager at Framland in Wantage. Reflecting on her early years, Barbara says, “I got a good grounding in how Pilgrims’ Friend Society works.”
By 2016, Barbara had advanced to her current position as Assistant Director of Operations for care and clinical. Her responsibilities include overseeing care home operations, focusing on quality and safety, and mentoring staff.
Barbara’s passion for caring for older people was instilled in her during childhood. Her parents were active supporters of the organisation, raising money for what was then known as Aged Pilgrims’ Friend Society.
For Barbara, the opportunity to combine her professional expertise with her faith is deeply fulfilling. “Everything we do is within God’s plan,” she explains. “We always start our meetings with a thought and a prayer. It’s wonderful to surround our decision-making this way.”
One of her proudest achievements has been overseeing the transition from paper-based care plans and medication charts to electronic systems. “It was a big shift, but it has made our work much more efficient,” she says. She’s also played a key role in enhancing staff training, particularly in areas like manual handling.
“Seeing the care we provide make a real difference in someone’s life, and knowing that I’m part of that, is what keeps me motivated everyday,” she says.
Vicky, 59
Senior Care Lead, Koinonia Christian Care Home, Worthing
Vicky’s journey with Pilgrims’ Friend Society started 16 years ago when she joined as a carer. After two years, she became a senior care lead.
“What drew me to stay at Koinonia was the organisation’s values,” Vicky explains. “As a Christian, their ethos really resonated with me.”
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Vicky takes pride in ensuring every family member receives excellent care, especially during challenging moments. “Our focus is always on the quality of care we deliver; my personal motto is ‘caring with care,’” she says. While she makes an effort to treat those that live in the home equally, some relationships hold a special place in her heart. One such bond was with a lady named Evelyn P, who has since passed away. “I cherished the connection we shared,” Vicky reflects.
Her advice to anyone considering a role in care is straightforward and heartfelt. “Give it your all. Be patient and compassionate, and take the time to do things properly. Following the right procedures is so important.”
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