Year 13 student, Hattie Austin has been helping vulnerable and elderly people in isolation during lockdown in her spare time.
At the beginning of lockdown Hattie felt that she wanted to get involved in the effort to help people who were isolating and couldn’t get out for their shopping and daily exercise, and so signed up with local Henley company, Premier Personal Care to do just that. Premier is a home care agency that offers help with domestic responsibilities and personal care needs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic the role of the agency has of course become even more important.
Hattie's position is very varied and can include anything from cooking for the elderly and those with mobility issues, to walking dogs, delivering medication or just sitting with people to be a friendly face and have a chat.
For the past two months, Hattie has been making eight visits a day for 3-4 days a week in between her Shiplake work and preparing for university.
She said: “I have found the whole experience hugely rewarding. It is hard work, but I am really glad I have done it and have been able to help people who really need it. It has also been really educational and has shown me how a business is run.
“My favourite person to visit is a 92-year-old man who was in the Parachute Regiment - he has lots of amazing stories.”
Hattie has said she will continue with this work until August, when hopefully lockdown measures will have relaxed. Following that she is hoping to go to Newcastle University to study marketing. She really enjoys photography and art, and is interested in learning more about the creative side of marketing.
Well done Hattie and the very best of luck for the future!
