Care company co-founder retires
THE manager and co-founder of domiciliary care company Shepshed Carers Ltd, is to retire this week.
Sarah Pollard founded the cooperative together with best friend Pauline Graves in February 1994 to provide quality care services for people in their own homes. Pauline sadly died in March.
The company will stay ‘in the family’ as Sarah’s daughter, Lorraine Sanders, will take charge early in the new year.
In December 1996 the company moved to its current base in Field Street, Shepshed, expanding in 2011 with the addition of extra office space to create a hub for care professionals and service users.
When Pauline retired in 2007, Sarah took sole charge of the business.
In 2004, Sarah and Pauline won the Women of Achievement Award in Leicestershire and Rutland and in 2005 was honoured at the Upstarts
Awards for individuals and enterprises that promote social goals and employ good business practice.
Sarah has always felt a strong bond with the local community and in 2013 took charge of the Stroke Club, which was held at the town council offices every Thursday. As it was not just for stroke survivors, the club was renamed Club 2013, providing various activities, as well as hot meals, and outings Due to the pandemic the club had to close.
Sarah’s retirement celebration which was also the cooperative’s annual meeting, gave staff an opportunity to wish her well.
There were also two special guests present: Dorothy Francis, of the Cooperative and Social Enterprise Agency, who helped to set up the cooperative and has been a constant advisor throughout the years; and Councillor Christine Radford, lead member for adults and communities at Leicestershire County Council and ward councillor for Shepshed.
Mrs Francis shared her memories from the last 27 years working with Shepshed Carers Ltd, especially how challenging – but also rewarding - it has been.
Mrs Radford praised the work and commitment from Sarah throughout the years and acknowledged the difficulties the company faces during the pandemic.
Shepshed Carers Ltd covers Shepshed, Hathern, Long Whatton, Coalville, Whitwick and surrounding villages and employs 50 staff.