Putting Girl Power to use across a local community

Sonia and her husband, Fatt a est ablished the Home Inst ead franchise of fice in Greenwich & Bexley in 2015. The company, based in Welling, specialises in delivering personal care of the highest st andard t o the elderly. Most impor t antly, it also ensures that clients’ other social needs were met through companionship ser vices.

But this was just the star t of the caring couple’s journey Before long Sonia realised that it wasn’t just the elderly who needed suppor t – we all need some TLC! Through her work in her local community, Sonia was introduced to a single mum and her two children by community leaders Sarah (name changed to protect privacy) who was homeless, had no income; English was her second language Sonia took Sarah under her wing, ensuring she had a roof over her head and offering her a role at Home Instead Sarah under went Care Professional training and was a natural with a caring and compassionate nature

This was the star t of the Girl Power Employee Club in 2015 The Club aims to improve the health and wellbeing team members as well as clients, their families and the wider community

Recognising that, through empowerment, she could really change women ’ s lives, Sonia has gone on to suppor t war widows, single mums as well as other homeless individuals Some have gone on to work in care with a meaningful role that allows them to give back to others

Speaking about the Club, Sonia said, “I realised that we had the oppor tunity as a team to change people’s lives for the better In doing so, we are also helping the care sector as we are encouraging people into the sector

“What we have seen in Sarah and others who we have helped, they become fantastic advocates for our business and care work in general

“A real bonus is that Sarah has gone on to suppor t others and she is now a mentor within our business ”

One of Home Instead’s longest-standing Care Professionals joined the company through the Club which is now also suppor ting her daughter to take up a place at War wick University The Club held a fundraiser to allow her to buy essentials, from bedding to small electricals

The Club is truly unique and now well known in the community It is often approached to spread magic in making a difference To date the Club has raised over £16,000 for various community projects and has set up its own charity

Members of the Club recognised that there were many older people who would benefit from suppor t to prevent isolation and loneliness – people who were unable to access Home Instead’s home care ser vice

From this the Sunday Volunteer Hub for older people was created This is run by Home Instead ever y Sunday as par t of the Charlton Athletic Community Trust and takes place at the Football Club

The Girls Power team runs cooking and baking classes Other activities include knitting, sewing and music and dance classes are a favourite

There is also an allotment project which ran throughout the pandemic Older people were given their own plot where they were suppor ted to ‘ grow your own ’

Sonia continued, “Home Instead’s mission is to expand the world’s capacity to care. I think that’s exactly what we are doing here in Greenwich, Bexley and surrounding areas.

“The impor tant thing about our projects is that they empower people; ever yone gets involved and is hands on and I just love that.”

The Girls Power Employee Club, registered charity Skills and Care Greenwich has been awarded an MBE Voluntar y Sector for Older People in recognition for its work.

To find out more about Home Instead Greenwich & Bexley visit www homeinstead co uk/greenwich-bexley/