3 July 2024
Home Help – Norman & Wendy
Our Home Help service provides assistance for anyone living in Fareham or Havant, and the surrounding areas who is unable to do their own basic housework and/or shopping.
Norman is 94 and lives alone in Fareham.
His life has been quite a journey, including 20 years in the Airforce and then a notable career as an airline pilot with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic – even piloting the very first flight for Virgin Atlantic, which is now celebrating its 40th anniversary!
Today Norman struggles with vertigo, limited mobility, and an arthritic shoulder, making everyday tasks like housework very difficult for him.
Recognising his need for assistance, Norman’s doctor recommended our Home Help service, which supports individuals like Norman with tasks including housework and shopping, enabling them to maintain a degree of independence and comfort in their own homes.
For the past six months, Wendy, a dedicated Home Help, has been assisting Norman. She visits him once a fortnight, dedicating around two hours each time to help with cleaning, and occasionally assisting Norman with his shopping.
Norman eagerly looks forward to Wendy’s visits, appreciating not just the practical help but also the friendship they share. “I very much look forward to Wendy coming,” Norman said. “We have a great connection and always have lots to talk about, like our love for classic cars and our careers in aviation.”
Wendy’s assistance has made a huge difference in Norman’s life. She keeps his home cleaner than he could manage on his own, given his physical challenges. Norman openly shared, “Without her help, I really don’t know how I would cope. She cleans better than I ever could!”
Beyond keeping his home in order, Wendy’s visits give Norman much-needed support and companionship. This connection is vital for his emotional wellbeing. He said, “I’m really grateful for her time and the work she puts in to help me.”
Wendy became a self-employed Home Help in January 2021, after 30 years as a technical administrator in the aviation and the maritime industries.
Wendy discovered the service on her way to Fareham train station, when she spotted an ad for Home Help staff in the window of Community First’s Fareham office.
Every week Wendy supports five clients, travelling across the Fareham Borough to provide home help for up to two hours at a time.
In those two hours Wendy could support someone with shopping, laundry and light housekeeping. She often steps in to cover for other Home Help staff when Community First requires extra support.
Wendy says: “It’s a cliché but making a difference to someone’s day is what motivates me to do my job. I enjoy meeting people of all ages and from all walks of life.
“Community First does a fantastic job of pairing clients and Home Helps with similar interests and outlooks, which means I have wonderful relationships with all my clients. The service we provide is invaluable because we take the time to get to know our clients, becoming more like friends. I know that if I need a Home Help in the future, Community First will be my go-to.”
Building trust and confidence with clients takes time, but Wendy finds this to be the most rewarding aspect of her role. She cherishes the opportunity to help her clients maintain their independence and enjoy life to the fullest.
When asked what advice she would give someone considering a career in Home Help, Wendy said: “If you genuinely like people and want to make a difference, go for it! It’s not just about putting on your Marigolds and vacuuming. Sometimes, it’s about lending a confidential ear, playing a game of dominoes, or helping solve problems. It’s what you make of it! As a Home Help, I finally have a work/life balance and I love it!”
Wendy truly represents the heart of our Home Help service, offering genuine care, companionship, and support to those in need.