ALS carers attend special royal reception | Abbeyfield Living Society Blog

Royal Recognition for our Care Heroes

Two Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS) carers were honoured to attend a reception, hosted by Their Majesties The King and Queen, which shone a light on carers and their contributions to the social and health landscape of the UK.

The reception, which was held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday 11th February, showcased the work of caring professionals, as well as foster carers, young carers, NHS staff and unpaid carers looking after friends or family members.

Abbeyfield was invited be represented by carers from across the organisation who displayed excellence in the care they give our residents and how they truly enhance their quality of life.

Two representatives were selected from our ALS care homes – Sazan Rascool, a care team leader at Downing House in Manchester, and Jessan “Jay” Malagad, a care assistant at Sandwood Care Home in Nottingham.

Sazan was described by her colleagues as passionate about her role and extremely helpful, reliable and supportive of her team.

Her manager, Lois Samuels, said, “Sazan treats the residents like family, and the way she communicates with them day-to-day is really heartwarming.

“She is dedicated to Downing House and Abbeyfield and she has a lovely nature about her. You can tell that she really cares, and I truly believe she was born to do this job.”

Sazan said, “It was a great honour to attend the reception and meet The King, The Queen and the Prime Minister.

“I had the chance to tell His Majesty about my job, and he said what an important role we play and thanked me, and all the staff at Abbeyfield, for the great work we do.

“The Prime Minister seemed to understand that it is a difficult job to have, but very rewarding, and he shared with me how proud he is of his sister, who is a care assistant.”

Meanwhile, Jay was nominated for going the extra mile to ensure the residents at Sandwood are treated with dignity and respect.

His manager, Asma Haque, praised his “positive attitude and willingness to support both residents and colleagues.”

She continued, “Jay is a trusted and respected member of our team, and his contribution is greatly appreciated by the residents and their families alike.”

The two ALS nominees were also joined by two representatives from Abbeyfield England – Dr Hayley Richards, representing Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham Society, and Mo Holland, representing Abbeyfield Lakeland Extra Care Society in Milnthorpe, South Cumbria.

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