Local Hackney housing heroes go the extra mile during pandemic

Two local retirement housing workers in Hackney, London have received praise from their colleagues and residents for their dedication and selflessness the coronavirus pandemic.

At a time when an Independent Age survey suggests that more than half (52%) of over 65s say they have had problems obtaining essential items such as food, Mary Price-Francis and Jamie Warren have done extraordinary work supporting residents at Anchor Hanover’s Appleton Court on Marcon Place and Benabo Court on Ferncliff Road, both in Hackney.

Following guidelines around social distancing, Mary has spent her time  with residents helping them organise online shopping, maintaining morale by keeping them connected to family and friends and providing support by doing tasks which may seem small, or just being there for a chat, which are of real benefit to residents at this time. 

Mary has also taken time out of her own day to help residents uncertain about going to the shops by doing their shopping for them and on some occasions has even helped cook for them. 

Jamie meanwhile has foregone working from home to spend every day at Benabo Court ensuring everything is tidy and well-ordered and providing a friendly face for residents to turn to, all while keeping to social distance guidelines. He has also arranged morale boosting events for local residents including a concert in the estate’s garden for residents to enjoy!

Noel Spencer, 75, a resident of Appleton Court, said:

It’s not been easy to get on with things now, but Mary has been really lovely helping me organise food shops and getting things delivered to me.

She’s also been a really lovely person to talk to and just be there to have a chat with even if we don’t need anything. It’s not been easy being unable to see my family now, but Mary has been really supportive.

Rowena Fletcher, Area Manager at Anchor Hanover, said:

It is vital we do everything we can to support our residents, particularly during these unprecedented times. The Independent Age data shows the difficulties older people are facing, and I am proud that so many of my colleagues working at our locations are going above and beyond to help residents.

Mary’s dedication to helping residents at Appleton Court and Jamie’s ability to keep his residents happy and well looked after during these difficult times have been nothing short of remarkable. Their actions are a beacon of positivity.