A resident at Rose Cottage, a Greensleeves Care home in Huntingdon, was crowned ‘Volunteer of the Year’ at the company’s 2022 awards.
Edith Pidoux attended the awards ceremony in London at the end of April, accompanied by several members of the Rose Cottage team.
Team members who nominated Edith for the award said:
“Edith keeps everyone on the straight and narrow. She volunteers her time selflessly every single day helping to receive and book in family members who come to visit. She checks all the LFD test results, makes sure all the paperwork is completed, temperatures are checked, hands are washed, and PPE is worn.
Edith has a chat with everyone, and family members love that she is supporting their loved ones in this way. She joins in the planning of activities and supports her fellow residents where needed. Edith is helping to rebuild the community at the Home and is a true peer support, instilling confidence in her fellow residents. We are so grateful for her generosity, her spirit, and her humour.”
Many Greensleeves Care home residents volunteer to take part in the running of the home, from helping with light housework, to joining a residents’ committee, and even interviewing potential new staff members.
Edith is certainly no exception. When asked why she volunteers, she said:
“I volunteer because I enjoy meeting and chatting to the visiting friends and relatives during the arrival process and because I know that I am freeing up a member of staff to allow them to carry out their primary duties as carers. Volunteering is something I have done for over thirty years, so it comes naturally to me.”
Usually, the Greensleeves Care awards are won by members of staff, so it was extra special for Edith to have won.
Edith continued: “I felt extremely humbled and honoured, I have never done volunteering work with that expectation in mind, which is why it is so wonderful. I had a lovely day at the awards and I am sure that all those who won were worthy of their nomination.”
“I have always been keen to give back where I can, and the tiny contribution I give to Rose cottage is my way of saying thank you.”
For more information about Rose Cottage, visit the website: https://www.greensleeves.org.uk/n/care-homes/rose-cottage-huntingdon/