The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have spoken to care workers from across the UK to hear about their experiences of providing care during the coronavirus outbreak and to thank them for their tireless efforts to continue to look after the most vulnerable in society.
On Wednesday, Their Royal Highnesses joined residents from the Shire Hall Care Home in Cardiff via video call as they played bingo in the home’s cinema.
Before the game, The Duke and Duchess heard from members of the care team about the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the challenges that they have faced as a result of it. Their Royal Highnesses also heard how the home has adapted to the current circumstances, including greater use of technology to allow residents to stay in touch with their families and friends.
The call came after Karolina Gerlich, executive director of The Care Workers’ Charity, received a request from Kensington Palace, and the Duke of Cambridge, to help him speak directly to frontline social care workers.
Earlier this month, The Duke of Cambridge held calls with care workers in England and Northern Ireland, discussing the unique challenges of providing care throughout the pandemic, including the impact of the last few months on the mental health and wellbeing of both those receiving care and the caregivers themselves.
The participants discussed the impact that these measures have had on their own mental wellbeing, and the crucial need to support social care workers on the frontline of the coronavirus. His Royal Highness also heard about the work that is being carried out by The Care Workers Charity to help those across the social care sector.
During the call, The Duke said:
“If there’s hopefully some positivity that comes out of this horrendous time, it is that there’s a light shone on all of the wonderful things you all do and on the social care sector, and it allows people to acknowledge, respect and appreciate everything that you are doing.”
Karolina Gerlich Executive Director of The Care Workers’ Charity said;
“To receive this dedicated interest from the Duke of Cambridge means so much to us as a sector. The past couple of months haven’t been easy for any of us, but care workers have been on the frontline caring and going above and beyond against all the odds. It meant so much to the care workers who spoke to the Duke of Cambridge to receive such genuine and warm interest. We can’t him enough for his support”
There are almost 2 million care workers in the UK, contributing to one of the largest workforces. They spend their careers assisting others, but when circumstances change, sometimes it is the care workers who need help. The Care Workers’ Charity exists to create support structures that people need whilst actively promoting the contribution that the UK’s care workers make to society.
