Mel Burgess: Helping Wimbledon & Kingston become a better place to age
By welcoming Mel to the team, we are strengthening our commitment to giving back, and she has already begun making a remarkable impact!
At Home Instead Wimbledon & Kingston, we know that great care and community go hand in hand. Caring for clients doesn’t stop when we leave their doorstep; it extends into doing what we can to make their daily life special, especially when engaging with their local community. But what does that mean, and what can great community engagement look like?
In October alone, we delivered an incredible 6,406 hours of quality, tailored care to our clients, where we’ve also seen firsthand just how much joy our clients get from attending events in the local area. In fact, research from Age UK has shown that nurturing positive relationships and attending social events can greatly help older adults stay sharp, confident, and mentally active. As home care providers, it is our responsibility to help create opportunities for companionship and enjoyment, as well as support the causes which make Wimbledon and Kingston such extraordinary places to live. This is exactly what Mel has been helping us to achieve.
The Mission
In her new position as Relationship Manager, Mel has already showcased her dedication to building meaningful local connections, raising awareness, and creating a warm, trusted presence for Home Instead across the community.
With the goal in mind “to help make Wimbledon and Kingston a great place to age”, she has already begun visiting events, exploring ways we can help in the local area, and hearing directly from clients and care professionals alike what would really make a difference to them.
Mel herself says, “I’m loving every moment of meeting people, listening to their stories, and making new friends along the way. I’m inspired by the kindness I see and excited to spread that positivity through Home Instead.”
And judging by the smiles she’s collected along the way, it’s clear that Mel’s positivity is contagious. We can’t wait to see what brilliant ideas she brings next, and how the seeds she has planted so far grow!
The proof is in the numbers.
In October alone, Mel has dedicated 112 hours of community service, alongside exploring multiple new initiatives to help with both local food banks and the neonatal unit at Kingston Hospital. A passionate advocate for philanthropy, she’s always on the lookout for meaningful ways Home Instead can contribute to the causes that matter most.
She also attended 12 different key community events, including Meet Up Mondays and Epsom Downs Care Roadshow, speaking directly with over 150 people, getting involved and spreading the love! These valuable first steps in her journey have given her a clear picture of the challenges and hopes within our local area, helping her see exactly how Home Instead can support clients, their families, and the wider community.
This is just the beginning.
Home Instead Kingston has already demonstrated their eagerness to support the community through their hosting and sharing of community events and support groups. Our Love to Sing event is a perfect example, bringing people together to socialise, sing, and enjoy each other’s company.
With the support of Mel and the other members of the amazing Home Instead Wimbledon & Kingston team, we can continue to champion community engagement, working in tandem with local businesses and community assets to create spaces where older adults can flourish. Her work aims to show that ageing doesn’t have to mean stepping back; instead, it brings a whole host of opportunities to get stuck in, make friends and try something new!
With a full diary for the next few months and lots of enthusiastic plans, we are excited to see the ongoing impact Mel will continue to have in Wimbledon and Kingston. If you spot her at a local event, don’t hesitate to say hello; she’s always ready to have a chat or be a listening ear when needed.
To find out more about how Home Instead Wimbledon & Kingston is supporting the community, check out this blog.
