Vincentian Care Plus has been chosen as a finalist in the Home Care Awards 2024!

The recognition - in the Specialist Care Expertise category – centres around VCP’s work supporting people affected by homelessness, at Edward Alsop Court in the London Borough of Westminster.

Knowing that for some, homelessness is more than just a housing issue; it is a complex challenge deeply intertwined with chaotic life experiences, VCP is part of an integrated approach at Edward Alsop Court, working alongside Westminster Social Services and Look Ahead to support some of the most vulnerable people in society.

​“People with complex needs are at serious risk of falling through the cracks in service provision, and this project aims to bridge those gaps,” Glen Von Malachowski, VCP’s Chairman, said.

“Vincentian Care Plus at Edward Alsop Court is not just a care provider; it's a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable and complex individuals. Its integrated approach, dedicated team, and outcome-focused strategies have transformed lives and paved the way for a brighter future.”

The winners will be announced at the Home Care Awards 2024 Awards Ceremony, happening in the West Midlands on 1st March!

In the heart of London, Vincentian Care Plus embraced the spirit of community and giving during the festive season just passed, delivering 110 Christmas meals. ​And just as important as the food parcels themselves – which all included a festive meal, desert and (non-alcoholic) bubbly – was the mission to bring warmth and happiness to the doorsteps of service-users.
 
Nashande, our Compliance & Quality Manager (and chief Christmas meal mastermind), shares the story behind the smiles...

The Planning:
 
“The journey began with meticulous planning to ensure that every detail was taken into consideration, most importantly those who were spending the festive period alone. The VCP community is a melting pot of different cultures - and we strive to ensure everyone feels seen. From traditional Christmas delights to special dietary requirements, every aspect was carefully considered to make this initiative truly inclusive.”
 
Negotiating limited grocery delivery slots and incredibly busy supermarkets, the VCP team were aiming to more than double the number of meals given out – from 40 in 2022 to 110 in 2023.
 
And through a huge team effort, the hard work all paid off. VCP’s carers and office staff rallied together and five delivery teams set off in cars and on foot to deliver Christmas meals and Christmas spirit.
 
Delivering Joy:
 
“The VCP team transformed into elves of kindness, donning festive attire and loading up vehicles, bags for life and boxes with carefully packed Christmas meals.
 
“The joyous convoy embarked on a mission to spread happiness and warmth to the doorsteps of our service users. From logistics to communication and food preparation, every aspect of the operation was a collaborative effort. It was inspiring to witness the team's dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.”
 
Personal Connections:
 
“One of the most heartening aspects of this initiative was the opportunity for the team to personally connect with our service users. Beyond delivering meals, the team spent time engaging in conversations, sharing stories, and exchanging festive greetings. These interactions went beyond the professional realm, forging a sense of community and solidarity.
 
“The impact of this small gesture was profound, reaching beyond the nourishment of the body to the nourishment of the soul. Service users expressed gratitude not only for the delicious meals but also for the companionship and the genuine care extended by the VCP team. For many, this act of kindness became a beacon of hope during a time that can be challenging for some.
 
“Witnessing the dedication and compassion of both the office and care team has been an immensely rewarding experience. This initiative not only reflects the values of our organisation but also exemplifies the power of collective goodwill and resourcefulness. The VCP family looks forward to continuing such endeavours - spreading joy and making a positive impact on the lives of those we are privileged to serve, and by God's grace, we do it all again in 2024!”