New Walfinch Suffolk Coastal care branch opens in Halesworth

3
Skip to next photo
1/1
Show caption
1/1
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A new home care branch has opened that hopes to bring a fresh approach to personalised support.

Walfinch Suffolk Coastal, now in its sixth year, has expanded its services with a new office in Halesworth.

The team already supports around 65 people locally and employs 24 carers, many with decades of experience.

Branch manager Teresa Forder said the team's priority is enabling independence.

Ms Forder said: "We look after everyone in their own home, supporting people in their lives.

The new branch is located in the former Perfect 10 Nails salon (Image: Google Maps)

"It's not just doing things for people, it's assisting them and helping them find ways to do things themselves."

Alison Cackett, a former town and district councillor who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, was also at the opening ceremony.

"It's a terrible and very emotional disease," she said, adding that community-based care is so important for those with a diagnosis.

Mrs Cackett had to retire from her council roles after she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, and she was also the secretary of the Holton and Byford Village Hall, serving the local community for decades.

Local Alzheimer's advocate Peter Berry, who lives with the condition, said he was heartened to see care evolving.

Mr Berry said: "These people have lived extraordinary lives and deserve extraordinary care.

Dementia advocate Peter Berry and former councillor Alison Cackett cutting the ribbon (Image: Victoria Humphrey)

"Just because someone's memory is poor doesn't mean they just sit there. Get them involved, make it their care home."

Mr Berry has also written two books about his journey with dementia with the help of his friend Deb Bunt.

Walfinch Suffolk Coastal works closely with The Pear Tree Fund and Halesworth Dementia Carers' Fund, which are finalists in the Respite and Carer Support category for the National Dementia Care Awards.

Ms Forder added that because of Halesworth's close-knit nature, it makes it an ideal place for home care.

"Matching carers to the people they support is so important. Halesworth is a great community, we all help each other out," she added.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos