People are the centre of life at Peacehaven

People are at the centre of the focus at Presbyterian Support’s Peacehaven Village, and two women know that more than anyone.

Village Liaison Karen Harvey has been with Peacehaven for five years and Cottage Coordinator Diane Braithwaite for 20 years, 14 of those in the village.

Their roles see both of them working closely with the residents of the village.

Diane looks after everything from carrying out blood pressure checks or changing dressings, to simply having a conversation with someone feeling a bit lonely. Karen oversees the transitions between living in the community and moving into the village, or living in the village and moving into the rest home.

Each day is different, but they say it always revolves around one thing – the residents.

“It’s about making sure that they are safe and they’re healthy... We just click in and do a lot of stuff that people want, to make sure that they are happy,” Diane said.

The pair believe there is a strong family atmosphere at Peacehaven. “I have been very lucky over the years. I treat these people as if they are my mum and dad and they actually treat me like I am part of their family,” Diane said.

For Karen, making sure people thinking about moving into the village are welcomed and feel looked after is key. “When we are walking around doing an initial tour, we look at things that are of interest to them. We try to get a sense of what’s important to them - letting them know that we have a whole range of activities and facilities to cater for every possibility.”

No two days are the same, and there are always the feel good moments that make them smile. “I enjoy the variety the most. You just never know what you are going to get on any given day,” Karen said.

For Diane, there have been many moments that have made her smile. Every Tuesday a communal morning tea is held, and often the residents step in to make her a cup of tea.

“Instead of me looking after them they look after me. They really do appreciate the staff that care for them.”

And then there was the time her husband was very unwell and the residents presented her with a basket of food as a way of showing support. “They knew I needed help, and they were there for me hey help me through the day as much as I help them.”

In fact, everyone looks out for each other, the women said. “It’s really very community minded,” Karen said “It’s like it’s a big family.”