Lynn & Chris James, owners of Visiting Angels North Surrey

Local professional, Lynn James, has decided to launch a different type of care company in North Surrey. Her new business, in-home care provider, Visiting Angels, aims to improve the standards of care in the region, whilst providing much needed support to both clients and families. Lynn has worked in healthcare since the age of 19 and, in partnership with her husband Chris, is thrilled to offer a new and unique approach to delivering care in the area.

“We’re extremely excited to be launching a care service with a distinct difference,” said Lynn. “Care runs through my veins as it’s been my whole career and, as a result, I’ve developed a lot of knowledge and a strong sense of social responsibility. One thing I’ve always noticed is that people have very different needs and the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Care needs to be personalised to the individual and that is typically overlooked by task-focused care providers. Now, we’re in a position as a voice for change and Visiting Angels will lead the way.”

From its inception, Visiting Angels commits to their innovative carer-centric approach. They treat carers with the utmost respect, valuing them for their commitment and rewarding them both financially and with opportunities for career development. Issues in the industry usually leave carers feeling little-to-no appreciation and without any form of support – this is what the Visiting Angels team is determined to change.

“Carers are usually expected to do an unrealistic number of care visits throughout the day, stretching them to their limits. But at Visiting Angels, we make a stand against this. We allow our caregivers to have longer, more efficient care visits and pay for any travel time between appointments, not the norm with other providers. By treating them fairly and with respect, they feel more valued and enjoy delivering quality care. Caregivers are truly the unsung heroes who need to be allowed to care – not just perform tasks.”

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On July 7th, Lynn and Chris received approval to operate from the Care Quality Commission. Based at Trident Court in Chessington, Visiting Angels is on the hunt for local care workers to satisfy the growing demand for its service. Within the next 12 months, they hope to bring 25 jobs to the area.

Undeterred by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lynn recognises that their essential service is in demand more than ever before. People thought the couple were crazy to launch a business right now, but they are determined to provide much-needed companionship, support, respite and social contact to those in the local community.

“In reality, what this situation has highlighted is the important role that caregivers play in our society. The pandemic has demonstrated just how brave our front-line carers really are and that they must be rewarded for their work. Overcoming challenges is part and parcel of life in the care world and, of course, some challenges are bigger than others. Despite the pandemic, we’re excited to push towards raising the bar for the entire social care sector.”

Visiting Angels North Surrey will serve families in the areas with KT and SM postcodes, including Stoneleigh, Cheam, Epsom, Sutton and surrounding areas.

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