Two women who have dedicated their careers to combating loneliness in older people have been named local heroes by a Maidstone care home.

Wendy Pfeiffer and Diane Bromley were awarded the top prize in a competition run by Care UK’s Invicta Court in Gidds Pond Way.

The win comes after they were made redundant from their roles at Age UK in Maidstone in June last year, where they worked for the charity’s West Kent Befriending Service.

They now work for Inspired Villages, the firm behind the Ledian Gardens retirement development in Leeds, which launched a new service called Inspired Friendships.

Through the lockdowns the duo continued to keep in touch with the group of people they would usually visit in a safe way, called everybody in the group weekly and, when restrictions were lifted, organised walks in the local park.

They also ensured everyone understood the government advice and had access to community resources.

As a result of their efforts, they were awarded the top prize in the Local Heroes competition winning £300 each.

Second place, and a £200 prize, was given to the Phoenix Community, a club that supports vulnerable individuals in Kent so they can live as independently as possible.

The organisation provides services and advice for physically disabled people, those with mental health disorders and learning difficulties, as well as their carers and families.

Mrs Pfeiffer said on her win: “Our thanks to Care UK, Invicta Court and to those who nominated us for the Local Hero award, and congratulations also to the Phoenix Community.

"We are proud to be accepting this award on behalf of our amazing ‘lovely oldies’ who have shown such strength and resilience over the past year.

“We both wish to acknowledge and thank all our volunteers and friends who have supported and encouraged us.

"Our gratitude also to Inspired Villages, for ensuring this much needed service for older people is here to stay.

"We would like to spend the prize money on arranging something very special for our team when we are eventually allowed to get together, what a celebration that will be.”

Ms Bromley added: “We really don’t expect to be rewarded, but nevertheless thank you so much.

"We are lucky to be doing a job we love, and to feel that one is making a difference to someone’s life is immeasurable. We genuinely love talking to all our lovely “oldies” and are counting the days until we can all get together again.”

Jacqui Pompeus, Home Manager at Invicta Court, said: “We are thrilled to award first place to Diane and Wendy who are worthy winners of our Local Heroes competition.

"The work they do is invaluable to older people who live in the community – particularly at a time when pandemic restrictions have meant that more people than ever are isolated.

“Congratulations also to the Phoenix Community who won second place, we’re proud to be able to support the important work you carry out."

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