𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒅

Weybridge resident and Chertsey business owner, Anitra Camargo has made it to the final rounds of voting and nominations of an award for the ‘Community Champion’ category at the National Business Women’s Awards. This award is for women who, alongside their usual work, either focus their business on giving back to the community or allocate time to working with non-for-profit organisations and community businesses.

Recognising her efforts in strengthening the community post-pandemic, Anitra has been raising funds and awareness for local charities and making the area more supportive of and accessible to older people.

Running a CQC Outstanding rated home care company Home Instead Windsor, Runnymede & West Spelthorne for 12 years, Anitra has been at the helm of the community for some time; not just by offering high quality care but also by committing to be an ambassador for connecting the community. During lockdown Anitra was concerned by her clients and other local seniors’ loss of appetite for taking part in events, due to the pandemic and she was determined to reignite it!

The judges were wowed by Anitra having facilitated 78 events this year alone, facilitating 260 occasions for clients and family members, with 160 care professional events out, plus welcoming 260 wider community members to join, which helped locals reconnect after so much time apart. These events included a Charity Dog Walk, raising money for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a Coronation Tea Dance, Wellness Walks, Community Picnics and scam awareness talks, using the company’s expertise, resources and community partners to keep older people in the community social and mobile.

Hot on the heels, Home Instead Windsor, Runnymede & West Spelthorne also won ‘Best Small to Medium-sized Business’ at the Best Business Awards, crediting the company’s success in providing personalised care and giving older people the chance to stay living in their beloved homes, and being recognised with Highly Commended in the recent Runnymede Business Awards in the Community Hero category

Anitra says: “The business community is full of wonderful organisations who continue to set the bar high, so it’s an honour to be amongst these powerhouses as a winner!

“As a business that supports older people in their own homes, many of whom wouldn’t have regular social contact if it wasn’t for us, we know how important it is to build a strong community. Let’s all work together to keep this spirit going!”