Care workers thanked for work during pandemic

More than 300 care managers in Cornwall have been gifted the book ‘A Pocketful of Kindness’ by a local charity, as a thank you for their tireless commitment and courageousness in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cornwall Adult Health and Social Care (CAHSC) Learning Partnership, has worked with author, dementia champion and key speaker, ‘Big Ian’ Donaghy, to print a Cornwall edition of his latest work, ‘A Pocketful of Kindness.’

Described as ‘the little book to gift someone to show how much they matter,’ the book is a collection of short, heartwarming stories from Ian Donaghy’ experience in social care.

Beverly Futtit, chief executive of CAHSC, said: ‘People working in adult social care make such a vital difference to people’s lives day in, day out in the communities across Cornwall.

‘During the past 16 months, the crucial difference they make has shown more than ever, so we wanted to say a huge thank you from Cornwall to the care and support staff for their dedication to the people they care for.

‘We thought that this book was the perfect way to honour their service and show how much they are appreciated, from someone who knows the care industry firsthand!

‘In particular, our registered managers have really stepped up under extremely challenging and difficult circumstances and done all they can to keep our loved ones and their own staff teams safe.’

‘A Pocketful of Kindness’ features short stories, monologues and TedTalks-style chapters championing the virtues and power kindness has had in transforming people’s lives.

Each book includes a personal message of kindness, handwritten by the CAHSC team, thanking the care manager for their work.

The front cover features an original illustration of the Cornwall map, inspired by a drawing from local care worker, Emma Williams, at Bluebird Care Mid and West Cornwall.

Ian Donaghy started writing the book during the pandemic, seizing the opportunity to reflect on who and what really matters in life.

The stories draw on his experiences in dementia care, working with young people with learning disabilities, his role in crime reduction for the Home Office and being a musician for over three decades.

He said: ‘The idea behind the book is that you gift it to someone who has made a huge impact in your life with their acts of kindness, who may not realise it. Inside you write the reason they are receiving it.

‘We need to appreciate one another more. Often we only get feedback if somebody is making a complaint.’

CAHSC Learning Partnership supports the care sector in Cornwall, providing access to resources, funding and learning and training opportunities.

Photo Credit – CAHSC