Walfinch opens new location in Hampton, Twickenham and Virginia Water

Lyn Leagas, Judith Spencer, and Angela Pinto have decided to bring the elderly care franchise to their local area

Walfinch has extended its home care services to Hampton, Twickenham, and Virginia Water via a franchise agreement with three local women.

Long term friends Lyn Leagas, Judith Spencer, and Angela Pinto decided they wanted to invest in something that built upon the existing care in their communities and increased the quality of life for local residents.

The business will offer hourly care, live-in care, and companion care, which includes tailored services for those with conditions such as dementia.

“Covid did many terrible things, but one of the few good outcomes was that it made people care about their communities,” said Leagas.

“We’re determined to improve the quality of life for local people, and our new franchise will mean we can turn our commitment into action.”

Leagas has worked in the services industry which has included jobs in live-in and domiciliary care. She will be taking up the position of franchise co-director alongside Spencer and Pinto.

“Most of my career was in logistics, but my care experience was always in the back of my mind,” said Leagas.

“Ten months into a logistics job in air freight services, I was scrabbling around to find 5p off the cost of sending a package overseas, and I thought, ‘no-one really cares about this. I want work that makes a real difference to people’s lives.”

Spencer also has home care experience, while Pinto has previously run her own business. However, the trio decided to invest in a franchise instead of setting up independently due to the brand’s existing ethos.

“We chose Walfinch because of The Mum Test. Walfinch insists that everyone they recruit should be a person they would like to see looking after their own mums, said Leagas. “That, and the fact that fun is one of the Walfinch business values, swung it for us – plus Walfinch CEO Amrit Dhaliwal’s infectious enthusiasm.”

“Thank goodness we chose a franchise rather than starting up alone. The support and help from Walfinch’s head office team has been invaluable.”

“They are always patient and willing to explain things to ensure you fully understand. They lift you up so you feel valued.

“The other franchisees are very helpful too. Everyone really wants you to succeed. Our new registered manager Tina Kenny says she has never worked in a care business with such as sense of community – and neither have I.”

The new franchisees plan to get the Walfinch business out there in the local area by taking a stall at the parish winter fair.