Our District is working with MHA to highlight the work of care workers and tell the real story of care.
In the Manchester and Stockport District’s Mission and Development Plan, one of the objectives is to ‘provide organizational support for the Methodist Church across the District’. We want to ‘promote professional, communal and ecumenical partnerships in support of our objectives’. A specific goal will be to make the most of relationships with partners with whom we have connections, such as Methodist Homes (MHA) as we promote action on social justice.
As Methodists, we have always held a concern for the poor, and a yearning for justice, very close to our hearts. We know that those who care for older people work incredibly hard, often for little recognition. Because older people are often held in very low regard in our society, so, those who support them and care for them, are similarly viewed. We can work together to speak out against ageism and to change public perceptions of what it means to work in the care of older people; to show that those who look after some of our most vulnerable citizens are skilled, dedicated people who deserve to be valued so much more than they are.
In the new year, MHA, the UK’s largest charitable care provider, is set to launch a new campaign to highlight the invaluable work of care workers to the public. We already have some great relationships between The Methodist Church and MHA across the District, working together to enable people to live later life well. And there’s always more that could be done. In our District there are 5 care homes (Avonleigh Gardens, Oldham; Handsworth, Altrincham; Laurel Court, Didsbury; The Willows, Knutsford; Woodlands, Poynton); 2 retirement living schemes (Adlington Houses in Urmston and Stockport) and an MHA Communities scheme in Macclesfield). What could you do to change the conversation around the care workforce? How can you support those who do this invaluable work?
This isn’t only about the MHA workforce; all who work in social care deserve better recognition for what they do. And that’s why MHA wants to change the way we think about care in this country. Will you get involved? Will you join with MHA to tell the real story of care? To find out more about the campaign, and how to join in, email luke.buckland@mha.org.uk
Deacon John Brobbey, District Mission Enabler and Social Justice Officer
Abby Ogier, MHA Area Support Chaplain for Manchester & Stockport and Sheffield
Rev Kate Le Sueur, MHA Head of Chaplaincy – North