12 Mar Essex care home receives a thank you letter from the local MP for Clacton
Ducks Halt, a residential service in Kirby-le-Soken, Essex which provides personal care and support for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs, has received a thank you letter from Giles Watling MP to recognise “hard work and support” for residents during the pandemic.
Giles Watling MP, local MP for Clacton, said in the letter: “I just want to send a brief note to thank you and all the team at your care home for your hard work throughout this pandemic. “
“The past ten months have presented very real challenges right across society and I think it is important to acknowledge that the support you have provided throughout the pandemic was, and continues to be, invaluable to those that needs it. I am acutely aware how challenging it has been, and continues to be, for staff in care homes.
He added: “As the Member of Parliament for Clacton I want to extend my sincere thanks to you all for what you have done and continue to do.”
During the pandemic, while normal routines have been disrupted, staff at Ducks Halt have continued to organise activities for residents including horse therapy. A staff member involved with the local riding stables arranged a surprise visit to two residents with some of the horses after planned dog therapy sessions were cancelled. The horses were brought to the car park at Ducks Halt, where residents were able to pet them and feed them apples. Animals are widely recognised to have therapeutic benefits and can help with relaxation and stress relief. Ducks Halt also runs weekly karaoke sessions and bingo afternoons and helped residents keep in contact with their families through Zoom calls.
Natalie Neeson, Registered Manager said: “It was a lovely gesture from local MP and his recognition of the work by our entire staff team is much appreciated. The team has really pulled together during this very difficult time. We are missing our families and friends, but our small team has become family.”
She added: “We have been very fortunate to also receive care packages from North East Essex Health and Wellbeing Alliance, thanking all the staff for working through the pandemic. I’m really proud of the way the team has performed.”
“We’ve had a really good support from a senior management team as well. Whenever we have a problem, they are always supportive and help us in any possible way and they came to visit the service whenever possible.”
“The whole team has worked really hard during the pandemic and continue to do so going forward to ensure we provide the best care for the service users. Our staff are supporting one another on daily basis, and it is absolutely amazing.”
