Guests help celebrate 25 years of Extra Hands

Norfolk homecare service Extra Hands marked 25 years of caring across the county with afternoon tea and cake for staff, service users and special guests.

Originally set up by David Evans and his wife Hazel as a home cleaning service, Extra Hands has expanded to become one of Norfolk's most successful home care services, enabling users to stay in their own homes, rather than move into residential accommodation.

The family-run company puts people at its heart and the team works hard to ensure its reputation for excellence is carried into every home that carers are invited into.

North West Norfolk MP Sir Henry Bellingham and Hunstanton Mayor Amanda Bosworth joined employees and service users celebrating the organisation's special day.

"The care sector may not be considered a high-flying job, however it can be hugely challenging, is exceptionally responsible and important and can lead to a great deal of job satisfaction," said Sir Henry.

"Caring for people in their own homes and taking the sort of decisions you have to take about their health and welfare is incredibly responsible. Extra Hands is a really good example of a family-run firm with a strong ethos and reputation."

Over the years, Extra Hands, based in Heacham but operating across the county,  has transformed the lives of care users and their families. Sukie Elliott's partner has multiple sclerosis and has used Extra Hands' services for several years.

Friends warned her that having care workers come into their lives might be intrusive - but with Extra Hands, nothing could be further from the truth. "As soon as I met our carer, she was one of the funniest people I'd ever met, and instantly I knew we'd made the right decision," said Sukie.

"Their staff have the right combination of light-heartedness and professionalism. I don't feel awkward with them around - visits are like having a best friend round every day.

"They do the job and so much more, I cannot praise them highly enough. Now I'm sleeping properly and I'm not worried. With Extra Hands, you don't feel you're on your own any more."

Neville Skoyles' wife's condition meant that although they had no option but to use a care service, they did have a choice about which one – and he says they never regretted choosing Extra Hands.

"Sometimes you meet people who are professionals but nothing more than that – but Extra Hands staff are sincere and do genuinely care, and you know that," he said. "For anyone thinking of using Extra Hands, I'd say go for it, definitely. If you're the one caring and they can give you some respite, why wouldn't you?"

One of Extra Hands' longest-serving members of staff is Marion Ashton who has been with them since May 1999. She was a chef before dealing with a terminally ill family member guided her towards a new career.

"The first time I saw Extra Hands, straight away, I thought the place was brilliant, I got such a positive impression," she said. "Previously, I'd had to work things out for myself, but the proper training I received made adapting to the job so much easier."

Although the sector has been transformed in Marion's time in it, basic human care still underpins everything.

"What keeps me going is the satisfaction of knowing that I'm helping someone stay in their own home," she said. "For some users a chat and a cuppa is just as valuable as things like help with dressing."

The importance of the human touch also extends to how Extra Hands treats its staff. "They're such a good bunch to be around, and really value their staff," said Marion.  "If you have a problem, you're never on your own, you've got such a big support network."

For more information about the company, see the website www.extrahandshomecarenorfolk.co.uk or call 01485 570611.