Thrilled Greenfields carers honoured by Leighton Buzzard’s fire and police services

Leighton Buzzard Community Fire Station’s Watch Commander Richard Burton contacted Greenfields' scheme manager Lucy Barnard to ask if they could visit to show their appreciation of the care team.

Lucy said: “I was thrilled to pieces when I got the call and immediately said yes. I wanted to make their visit an extra big surprise for the care team to recognise the great job they do for many of our residents so I only told a few people.

"The surprise paid off and everyone was amazed when the fire engines, police car and service personnel lined up ceremoniously in front of the building and started applauding the team who had come outside.

“Every week residents take part in the Clap for our Carers in our private garden, observing social distancing. Last week, residents concluded the applause with a sing-a-long to the care team of You’ll Never Walk Alone which was very moving."

Greenfields is housing association Catalyst’s flagship extra care scheme and provides 82 apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership to people over 55 with a local connection.

Care is available to residents should they need it, provided by Westminster Homecare.

"Westminster Homecare are a huge part of the community here," added Lucy. "We’ve been finding ways to help keep residents’ morale up and reduce the isolation many are experiencing during lockdown.

"We’ve set up unlimited access to Zoom so we can continue to hold our regular coffee mornings, and we’re running things like a baby photo competition and quizzes as well as our regular newsletter. Residents also displayed their VE Day memorabilia in the garden for others to see.

"I’m pleased to say we’ve had no cases of coronavirus here at Greenfields which is another testament to service the care, cleaning and back office teams provide.”

One of Greenfields’ residents said: "It is wonderful that the community, that is all of us, can come together and show our appreciation for the work that carers are doing in these difficult times."