Lee-on-the-Solent care agency staff speak about the reality of lockdown and PPE struggles

CARERS who have been providing support to people across Hampshire during the Covid-19 pandemic have spoken out about the reality of lockdown life.
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Joy Ford, Nicky Crane and Monique Appleby are just three carers from Willow Domiciliary Care, based in Lee-on-the-Solent, who have been providing everyday care to clients who need them.

Thanks to the dedication of their boss, Julie-Marie Blyth, the trio say they have access to full PPE but Julie says getting the equipment hasn't come without its struggles.

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The 32-year-old said: ‘Covid-19 has affected us in ways we never imagined.

From left, Joy Ford, Andrea Costa and Monique ApplebyFrom left, Joy Ford, Andrea Costa and Monique Appleby
From left, Joy Ford, Andrea Costa and Monique Appleby

‘Our care staff have done amazing and I want to thank them all.

‘It is a huge risk to the company if we can’t source full PPE, however we have managed to get by and we are now fully stocked with help from our local community.

‘My main concern now is that workforces are allowed to reopen with PPE, this will limit the NHS, health and social care and all front-line workers even further.’

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A client with his fish and chips on one of the fish and chip FridaysA client with his fish and chips on one of the fish and chip Fridays
A client with his fish and chips on one of the fish and chip Fridays
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Joy from Fareham has been in the care industry for 30 years but hasn’t let the pandemic stop her from doing the job she loves.

The 62-year-old said: ‘It is worrying and our clients have been worried but we have been reassuring them and Willow has provided treats like fish and chip Fridays to keep everyone’s spirits up.’

Mum-of-two Monique, from Gosport, said: ‘We are the only people many of our clients are seeing and so we aren’t just providing physical support but also emotional as they are struggling with not seeing their families.

‘It has been worrying for us as well but Willow has been amazing and made sure we have full PPE to protect us.’

Willows carers wearing PPE with a clientWillows carers wearing PPE with a client
Willows carers wearing PPE with a client
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The 28-year-old added: ‘I think the good thing is that people are now giving carers more respect which is really nice.

For Nicky, it was only last month that she came back to the caring profession after several years in education.

The 40-year-old from Fareham added: ‘This is a scary time but Willow is like a family and everyone is taking care of each other.’

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