The spotlight this week will be on carer workers across Staffordshire’s frontline as part of the County Council’s Coronavirus Hidden Heroes campaign.
The county council has been inundated with nominations of staff going the extra mile during the pandemic from care homes, home care organisations and supported living settings on .
Lee Phillips-Clarke, a care worker and a foster carer from Kidsgrove, was a bus driver for 17 years, until after ferrying people to medical appointments every Saturday for a care company, he decided to ask them for a job two years ago.
He is now a senior care worker at the Farmhouse Rest Home, Newcastle and was nominated three times, including by manager Tammy Shepherd. Tammy said Lee always goes above and beyond at work, has been working long days during the pandemic and has even donated food supplies to the residents.
Lee said: “After driving buses I just decided to move into a care role and I absolutely love it. The best bit about the work is definitely the residents. When you come into the home the faces of the residents really light up and they are as pleased to see me as I am to see them.
“I am totally surprised, but absolutely thrilled that people have taken the time to nominate me as one of Staffordshire’s Hidden Heroes.”
Over the coming week, the council will be shining the light on more care heroes and you can find out more at #Hiddenheroes
Alan White, Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: “Our army of carer workers are doing an amazing job in caring for the most vulnerable people during this pandemic.
“Without the compassion and dedication of people like Lee, life for many residents would simply be impossible, so I would like to thank all those who are working on our care frontline as they are without doubt our true heroes.”
If you know of a Hidden Hero, head to the council website to nominate.
