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A woman who jumped into action to support neighbours in a retirement living community near Wolverhampton during the coronavirus crisis, has been shortlisted for a top award.

Betty Asprey has always enjoyed helping people and in lockdown she found new ways to support her neighbours. Now, she has been shortlisted for a national award being presented by the Housing Quality Network (HQN). The Frontline Stars Award recognises frontline workers, volunteers and members of the public who have gone the extra mile to make a difference to the lives of others during the pandemic. 

Betty lives in an apartment which is part of a retirement scheme managed by Care Plus. Social distancing measures introduced in March brought the temporary closure of the scheme's popular on-site restaurant and a halt to the usual social activities. Family members kept apart to protect older and vulnerable residents and although Care Plus staff provided individual support and regular reassurance calls, it was a worrying time.

The good neighbour started by contacting a local pub, to arrange twice-weekly carvery meals. With the help of Care Plus staff, Betty organised socially distant ordering, payment and delivery of hot meals: "People just have to pop them in the microwave. I've been really careful of course. I don't go into anyone's home and keep my distance but I think everyone has enjoyed having someone to talk to. While we haven't seen as much of our families, it's been good to have a chat. My rounds took longer every week!"

As well as providing the meals and keeping in touch with everyone, Betty also put her sewing machine to good use by making countless kit bags for carers.

Neighbour June said that Betty has been a good friend during the crisis:"If ever you are in trouble or want anything Betty is always there. She went above and beyond with what she has done and nothing is too much trouble. I think she definitely deserves to win."

The daughter of another neighbour was also full of praise: "During the pandemic Betty has been so helpful. Knowing that my mom has dementia and that I was unable to visit, she contacted me to ask what sort of meals mom liked and even offered to pay! I am so grateful for all the assistance she has given to mom and myself."

Kathryn Smoczkiewicz is the Care Plus housing and wellbeing manager at Betty's scheme. "As a manager, one of my main concerns was when our restaurant had to close. So many people rely on the restaurant and its closure was always going to have a big impact. When everyone had to stand back, though, Betty stepped forward. Our team worked hard to make sure residents were supported and Betty worked with us. She's really shone."

The HQN Frontline Star Award will be presented in a virtual ceremony on 16 July.

Caption:

Betty celebrating being shortlisted alongside Kathryn, housing and wellbeing manager and Sharon, retirement living officer. 

ENDS

Background for editors

Care Plus specialises in housing and support for older people and those with physical or learning difficulties. It manages 53 retirement living communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire and provides domiciliary care helping people to live independently with support, in their own homes. 

The personal care service delivered by Care Plus has been assessed as Good in all areas by the Care Quality Commission. 

Care Plus is registered as a Charitable Community Benefit Society and is part of Housing Plus Group, a leading provider of quality, affordable homes and care services that customers can trust across Shropshire and Staffordshire.  Housing Plus Group members also include South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing, Stafford and Rural Homes and Severn Homes.

Housing Plus Group is addressing the housing crisis by starting to build 2,000 new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale by 2023. The Group has pledged to deliver one-third more hours of care and support for older people in their own homes and to create apprenticeship opportunities for 100 people in the Group and its supply chain within five years.

Its members are inspired by the CLARITY values which are the foundations of its work: Communication, Learning, Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trust and YOU.

www.care-plus.co.uk

Further information 

Mara Hargreaves  
Head of marketing and communications   
m:07800 619 863  
e:mara.hargreaves@housingplusgroup.co.uk

Clare Chick 
Marketing and communications officer 
m: 07950 254 279 
e:clare.chick@housingplusgroup.co.uk  

Martin Farrow 
CHANGEWORKS Communications 
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588 
m: +44 (0)7771 970025 
e:mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk