Chief Executive's Statement
Over the last few weeks, the south east has seen some of the worst weather conditions of the last 30 years. All business and operating sectors have found it difficult and in some cases impossible to function. Getting around has extremely hazardous with numerous 'only travel if your journey is absolutely necessary' messages and bulletins being transmitted on a regular basis.
Throughout this extremely difficult time, our staff across 'Avante Care and Support' and 'Stepahead Support’ have continued to provide high quality care and support services to over 4000 vulnerable people in Kent, Medway and south London.
Staff regularly walked miles through the worst of the snow to deliver care and support to people in their own homes. Staff in our residential homes stayed overnight in our homes rather than risk not being able to get back to work in the morning. On many occasions staff who live close to our homes and services opened up their homes to colleagues to stay overnight so they would be sure of getting to work in the morning to maintain our service delivery. Throughout this extremely challenging period, our office staff worked tirelessly to ensure that their operational colleagues received the support and back up they needed to keep services going.
On behalf of our Board and Management Teams, I thank our staff for their amazing efforts over the last few weeks and their willingness to go way beyond what might be expected given the conditions. The work of frontline social care staff goes largely unnoticed, unless something goes wrong. They are the unsung heroes of the communities in which we work.
Cedric Frederick
Chief Executive
15 January 2010
