Staff have been overwhelmed by the support the local community has shown for them and its residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

Barrowhill Hall has received donations of personal protective equipment including masks and visors.  Plus, hand-made laundry bags, hand creams, sanitisers, and treats for residents and staff.

Support from young friends

Children from Dove First School on Ashbourne Road sent in pictures and messages.

Residents received paintings and letters from youngsters from Abbotsholme School who would normally visit the home every week.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone,” said the home’s manager, Matthew Whitfield.  “’We’ve been deeply touched by the goodwill in our community.

“Denstone College made visors in their Design and Technology department that we were very grateful to receive.

“Food sent to staff has fuelled their hard work and they have had lots of messages of support.

“It is a testing time for our team and to know there are people thinking about them means a huge amount.”

Biscuit and pizza treats

Uttoxeter-based Fox’s donated biscuits and Domino’s in the town sent in pizzas.

Local seamstress, Joan Sandbrooke, made laundry bags, fabric face masks and hairbands for staff to help protect their ears from the masks’ elastic.

“I thought it would be a good gesture to help the community at such a difficult time,” she said.

Families have shown their support

The home has received countless messages of appreciation from residents’ families.  They’ve been kept in touch with loved ones via video calls and phone-calls.

A private Facebook group has been set up where they can exchange photos and messages.

“Their patience and understanding has not gone unnoticed,” commented Matthew.  “We’ve always been close to our community here, but we feel it even more so now.”

Matthew and his colleagues have come in for praise from the home’s director, Dion Meechan.

“I can’t say enough what a fantastic team we have here,” he said.  “They have all been putting the extra hours in where needed and always with a smile.

“The residents are their priority.  Although the staff have tough days, they always step up to the mark and do their very best.  I’m immensely proud of them.”