A care worker and her colourful hair feature in a new book celebrating the work of people like her during Covid.

Stevie Housley, an activities coordinator at Gardenia House care home in Dartford, run by national charity Ambient Support, is featured in a new book celebrating the UK’s caring heroes.

Care providers across the country have played a vital role throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

The National Care Forum (NCF), the leading membership association for not-for-profit social care providers, decided to record and celebrate their response to the outbreak and ensuing restrictions by bringing together a collection of stories in a book, Caring in Covid.

Stevie raised £1,350 dying her hair waist-long hair all of the colours of the rainbow. The money went to improving the lives of the residents she supports at Gardenia House, a community based, purpose-built care home in Dartford.

Ambient Support chief executive Mark Milton said: “We are incredibly proud of Stevie and what she has achieved, going above and beyond her day-to-day duties to support residents when they needed it most. To be recognised in this wonderful book by the NCF is truly deserved.

“Despite ongoing challenges our care teams have done their upmost to kept our residents safe, supported and engaged. We are extremely proud of each and every person in our team.”

Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum, said: “Through the collection of Caring Heroes stories, the reader peeks behind the closed doors and experiences what it was really like for care staff, residents in care homes, and people needing support in their own homes during lockdown.

"This book is more than just a nod to social history, it demonstrates how people’s lives are enriched by the role of those working in the care sector through their creativity, dedication and passion, and through their many skills and talents.”

Caring in Covid is available in e-format now at www.nationalcareforum.org.uk/ncf-caring-in-covid-project/

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