To mark this year’s International Day of Friendship, two members of the care team at New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, have been talking about their solid, 19-year friendship, which came into being when they both began working together at the care home.
Between them, Jo Hillyard and Hayley Jones have worked at New Copford Place for an impressive 46 years. “I have been here for 20 years, and Hayley has worked at the care home for 26 years,” said Jo, who is a Shift Leader at New Copford Place. “We’ve actually been Best Friends Forever – true BFFs – now for 19 years, which is funny as when I first met Hayley, I thought she was a smidge gregarious – so outgoing and extroverted – but she’s so personable, caring and kind, I soon changed my mind and the rest, as they say, is history.”
“The first thing that struck me about Jo is that she’s so hard working, thoughtful and compassionate,” continued Health Care Assistant, Hayley. “She was always at New Copford Place supporting and caring for the residents, always going that extra mile for them.”
Jo and Hayley admit they are as ‘thick as thieves’ and work almost every shift together at the care home. “I’m a part-time now but if I pick-up any overtime shifts, I’ll ensure it’s when Jo is in,” added Hayley.
Working together so closely at New Copford Place, Hayley and Jo both agree on what makes each day special for them. “The residents are wonderful, so adorable and so interesting. It’s an absolute pleasure supporting, caring and spending time with them,” said Jo.
“The residents are our daily focus, 100%,” continued Hayley. “Our work colleagues are great, and we all share the same dedicated commitment to the residents, and working at such a lovely, comfortable care home, it really does feel like a home away from home.”
The happy BFF duo also agree that they are such close best friends due to their same sense of humour and caring natures – and they love so much about each other too. “Hayley’s is extremely honest and exceptionally caring. You can see how much love she has the residents, her family, friends and, of course, her furry four-legged companion, Mabel,” continued Jo.
“Jo is ultra caring and always put others before herself,” added Hayley. “She’s as honest as the day is long and is literally so funny. I swear we read each other’s minds as we can just look at each other, and the look says it all. We are really like two peas in a pod.”
“I think Hayley’s best qualities have to be just how caring she is, her loyalty and her trustworthiness, plus her very funny sense of humour,” continued Jo. “Jo has so many qualities, it’s hard to pick her best, but if pushed I’d say that she never judges anyone, is trustworthy like me, is a great listener and gives excellent advice – and she’s always there if I need her,” added Hayley.
“Hayley and Jo are two fantastic care professionals, we are so very lucky to have them and over the moon that they have been with New Copford Place and part of the care home family for so many years, consistently giving and going over and above and doing such great jobs,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at New Copford Place.
“Hayley is my forever Best Friend because, in one word, she’s amazing. She’ll always be there for me and will always make me smile,” said Jo. “Likewise, Jo’s my BFF as she’s beautiful, inside and out,” added Hayley.
“The other day we were chatting with some of the residents and were asked a few really funny questions,” continued Hayley. “The first was if we had our own theme tune from a film that was us to a tee what would it be? My answer had to be ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman and Jo decided upon ‘You’ve Got A Friend In Me’ from Toy Story, which had the residents in giggles, especially as we started singing the songs to them.”
“The next question was if we were a flavour of ice cream what would we by and why? I said I’d have to be Tutti Fruity as it’s colourful, sweet, full of surprises and brings smiles to people’s faces. Hayley said she’d be Fruit and Nut as that suited her perfectly, which everyone agreed with,” added Jo.
“Hayley and Jo are the greatest of friends and colleagues who are both totally committed and devoted to the residents, and so passionate about making a positive difference to their days, every day – just like they are they are to each other,” concluded Daniel.
