Devon carers honoured for more than 1,000 years of dedicated service

Devon carers have been honoured for more than one thousand years of dedicated service to the Southern Healthcare care group.

The care home group, which has award-winning care homes in Exeter, Plymouth, Seaton, and Dawlish, invited 93 team members to an event celebrating long service for five, ten, 15, and 20 continuous years at the company.

Geoffrey Cox, managing director of Southern Healthcare, expressed his gratitude to the honorees, commending their passion and dedication, which helps create vibrant communities within their care homes.

He enthused: “Our incredible teams excel in providing outstanding care for our residents, as well as supporting and looking out for one another. I firmly believe that caring for others requires not only specific qualities, but also a supportive and appreciative environment for team members and colleagues. This approach ensures that our homes remain vibrant, loving, and meaningful places. Southern Healthcare has built a strong reputation for the vital work our staff do, and we deeply value their contributions."

The award ceremony was held at Eden House, the company’s training centre in Dawlish. Team members who reached a long service milestone received a letter thanking them for their service, they were awarded additional annual leave, presented with a certificate, and a gift voucher.

Among those honoured at the award's ceremony were Phillip Adams, Kim Murphey, and Babs Ward.

Phillip, who is a member of the Parkwood House team in Plymouth, achieved his five-year long service award. He said he was well supported by the team, and it felt like he was "working in a family". “The reward was a bit of a surprise - five years has flown by. I was happy to be recognised and I had a fun night with the Parkwood team. Bring on the next five years!”

His colleague Kim, who received 15-year long service award, agreed: “I like working at Southern Healthcare because we are not just a working team, but more like a family, everyone cares about each-other, and we support one another.”

Babs from The Seaton team also achieved a 15-year long service award. “I was thrilled to receive such a lovely award. It’s so rewarding to have your efforts recognised.”

The award ceremony coincided with Dawlish's Christmas lantern parade, so 'snow' and festive lights greeted attendees as they arrived.