Mulberry House was honoured to welcome Mel Stride, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, for a delightful visit that brightened the day for residents and staff alike.
Mr. Stride arrived at Mulberry House on the 17th of May, bringing with him a warm and engaging presence that immediately resonated with everyone he met. The visit began in our charming Aviary Lounge, where he enjoyed tea and heartfelt conversations with many of our residents.
One of the highlights of the visit was a special exchange between Mr. Stride and Heath, one of our cherished residents Heath Dadd who is a farmer and still actively owns his farm. Heath was keen to discuss the future of farming and was pleasantly surprised when Mr. Stride shared a personal anecdote about taking a tractor to Downing Street, complete with photos. This connection brought a sense of familiarity and relevance to their discussion, leaving Heath and other residents feeling valued and heard. Anne Leng quoted it was nice to receive a visit from an MP who was happy listen to their views such a pleasant surprise.
Mr. Stride also had a touching reunion with Greta Maslen, a resident he recognised from his community engagements. Their mutual recognition sparked joyous memories, and their reunion was a poignant reminder of the close-knit community spirit that Mulberry House fosters.
The visit concluded with a memorable photo session outside the Mulberry House sign, where Mr. Stride joined our dedicated staff for a group photo, capturing the essence of the supportive and welcoming environment that defines our home.
We are incredibly grateful for Mr. Stride’s visit, which brought joy and excitement to our residents and staff. His willingness to engage in meaningful conversations and share personal stories truly enriched the day for everyone at Mulberry House.
Mr. Stride expressed his admiration for the work being done at Mulberry House and reiterated his commitment to supporting communities and individuals from all walks of life.
Helen Hulme Home Manager said, it was lovely to see the residents chatting to Mel and raising their concerns, It is so important that they have a voice in the community we all look forward to Mel’s next visit.