HILS West Sussex were delighted to welcome Lisa Payne, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s new Community Fire Safety Officer, for a day spent shadowing Bev, one of our dedicated Community Team Members.
What Lisa discovered during her visit was much more than a meal delivery service. She witnessed first-hand the care and wellbeing support that our team provides every day to clients across the county. Read her account below:
As part of my new role as Community Fire Safety Officer, I have been spending time with a variety of community services to better understand the incredible support available to local residents. Recently, I had the pleasure of shadowing Bev from HILS during one of her Meals on Wheels rounds.
Before joining Bev for the day, I must admit I had assumed the service was simply about delivering meals. What I discovered was so much more.
From the moment we began the round, it was clear how highly regarded Bev is by the people she visits. Her warm, friendly nature and genuine care for every customer shone through. It was equally clear how much she loves what she does and the positive impact she has on those she sees.
The HILS service provides far more than just a hot meal. Customers receive a main meal, as well as breakfast and tea options, all delivered directly to their door. Throughout the day, I watched Bev cater to each individual’s needs. For some customers, this meant taking meals into their homes, serving them onto plates and, popping their Tea Packs in the fridge so it was ready to eat later that day.
What stood out most was that on one visit, Bev went above and beyond, even taking the time to remove peas from a meal because the customer was unable to digest them. What a truly person-centered service!
The service also provides an invaluable welfare check. Daily visits offer reassurance not only to customers, but also to their families, knowing someone is regularly checking in on their wellbeing. Bev explained that if she ever has concerns about a customer, she will immediately escalate them or take appropriate action to ensure they receive the support they need.
I had a great day and was truly in awe of Bev and this fantastic service. The food all smelt great too, and still piping hot on the last call. Thank you, HILS, Bev and the community, for letting me share this day with you.
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