Carefest has frontline staff around the nation clapping along

Hosted by Dan Archer, managing director of Visiting Angels, the event evoked a festival feeling and a new opportunity to get clapping – complete with live sound stage, a hog roast and a beer and gin tent

On 26 July, care workers, their families, NHS staff and frontline workers came together to celebrate their collective achievements and unwavering commitment to their community over the last 18 months. Hosted by Dan Archer, managing director of in-home care franchise Visiting Angels, the ‘Carefest’ event evoked a festival feeling and a new opportunity to get clapping – complete with live sound stage, a hog roast and a beer and gin tent.

“It’s the least I could do to thank my wonderful staff and devoted members of the community that have kept the elderly and vulnerable people living in Sheffield and the surrounding areas safe throughout the pandemic. I’ve always felt passionately that hard work should be rewarded but I honestly don’t feel this event could even come close to showing how appreciative we all are of their efforts. But it was certainly a fantastic day and my way of saying thank you!” said Dan.

With four live music acts, food trucks and a real family-fun feel, the day was a much-needed celebration for Dan’s carers – called Angels – and their families. Dan also extended the invitation to all local NHS and frontline staff, including the team working all hours at the local vaccination centre, the Octagon Centre. A small fee was charged for drinks and food, with all funds going to two worthy charities - NHS Charities Together and the National Care Association.

“We raised £2,000 in just one afternoon! The event was originally scheduled for 5 July, on NHS Social Care & Frontline Workers’ Day, but the delay to the lifting of lockdown restrictions meant that we decided to delay until such a time that everyone could get involved and really let their hair down. I was so proud to see everyone having such a good time,” added Dan.

Joan Hancock, one of Dan’s Angels, was one of the 280 people that attended the party on Monday afternoon. “Me and my husband both had a fabulous time! It was great to feel truly appreciated and celebrated after what has been an unquestionably challenging time. I also valued spending time with my fellow carers – it really feels like I’m part of a family,” explained Joan.

Elsewhere, Visiting Angels’ franchisees from around the country have been celebrating the fantastic people that make up their vast network of Angels. Visiting Angels’ Cambridgeshire office welcomed care workers, their families and local clients for an afternoon of tea, cakes and fun.

“It’s the least we could do for all of the fantastic individuals living in our community that make a difference every day,” explained Ian Lintott, franchisee and managing director. “I’ve been blown away by the dedication my own team has shown in recent months, which is why I wanted to host this get-together to say thank you. A great time was had by all, and it was lovely to see some familiar faces there during the afternoon.”

Ian launched his franchise last August, whilst the UK was in the grips of the pandemic. As a business owner with a passion for treating his team fairly and thanking them for a job well done, the tea party was just one of many initiatives put together over the course of the last 12 months.

“We take pride in how we differ from other care providers. We commit to giving our caregivers a better wage, provide longer care visits with clients to ensure job satisfaction and incentivise them to deliver a premium-quality standard of care. The purpose is to make them feel more valued in their role and enjoy their work which, in turn, will result in them delivering a much better quality of service,” he said.