A homecare provider has opened a new branch in Penrith and hopes to recruit between 30 and 50 extra members of staff during 2024.

Westmorland Homecare’s Penrith branch, based at 2 Penrith New Squares in the town, covers Penrith, Appleby, Shap and surrounding Eden villages.

“There is definitely a need for further quality care services in this rural area,” said Charlotte Cooper, the care manager of Westmorland Homecare’s Penrith branch.

The company provides several hours of care each week, offering homecare services like housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care that includes assistance with medication, dressing, bathing and living a fulfilling life.

It now has branches at South Lakeland; Lancaster and Morecambe; Poulton, Fylde and Wyre; Preston; and Penrith.

“The Penrith branch has the same ethos as the rest of the company,” said Charlotte.

"We believe that every individual should be free to remain in their home as long as they wish and should continue to be as active and independent as possible and to have rich and fulfilling lives.

“We put excellent care and support at the heart of everything we do with clients and also with our staff.

"Westmorland Homecare accomplishes this by paying our staff competitive rates and by providing continuity of care and professionalism," she said. 

Charlotte has worked in the care sector for eight years. She started as a homecare assistant, gained her apprentice diplomas at Level 3 and Level 5 in Health and Social Care and has previously worked as a deputy care manager.

“I got into the care sector because my grandmother suffered from multiple sclerosis,” she said.

“Having had someone close to you needing homecare gives you a deep understanding of what was important for them when they were being cared for and what you want for your relative.

“I have a real passion for care and at Westmorland Homecare we treat every one of our clients as if they were a member of our own family.”

She added that they are currently accepting new client care packages.

The Penrith branch will hold an open event with coffee and cake at its office from 10am-2pm on Friday, June 14, for everyone in the community to get to know the staff and the services offered.