Two perfect examples are Dinah Ball and Ann Delahunty, who work together at care provider South Lakes Home Instead and have been at the forefront of aiding residents during the pandemic in Cumbria.

The efforts of both carers have regularly shadowed visits with other caregivers, given in-visit teaching and provide much-needed support.

Dinah is a carer and trainer who has worked at Home Instead since August.

She said: “I have a background in nursing and for the last 15 years have worked in Cardiff.

“I’ve always been interested in one-to-one support work.

"I originally came here because my husband and I relocated to Kendal in lockdown.

CARERS: Ann and Dinah taking part in training to fine-tune their skills Picture: Home Instead South Lakes

“I wanted to find work that would be fulfilling, and this one I thought was adventurous for me.

“I hadn’t worked in care before this, so it was a new venture.

“Here I could see the difference between home Instead care and others.

"They have a really positive relationship with clients here, and it’s what makes it a great place.

“I absolutely fell in love with the job when I started. Both me and Ann get a lot out of this and we’re happy to help as many people as we can.”

Ann is the deputy care manager and joined the organisation in July 2018.

Originally from County Laois in Southern Ireland, Ann began care work after 17 years in the leisure industry.

KIND: Dinah Ball and Ann Delahunty are carers at South Lakes Home Instead

She said: “Before this I always interested in care giving; I thought it was amazing.

"I did it part-time at first before becoming more involved, then took the jump and got started full-time.

"In just three years this company has supported me so much and I like to think we’ve made a difference to a lot of people, particularly during lockdown.

“Dinah and I have about 39 carers between us and I’m responsible for Kendal, Windermere, Grasmere and Kirkby.

“I love this place. They match the carer with their client’s wants.

“We don’t pick them, they pick us, and we do what we can for them. These past months have been so important.”