ANGELA Rayner MP went back to where it all began as she helped perk up the day of care home residents.
The Ashton politician spoke to staff and those living at Audenshaw’s Guide Lane centre as she paid a visit.
And the former care worker and a home help enjoyed the regular sing-a-long in the communal lounge.
Ms Rayner, who was also given a tour of the facility, said: “Before I got into politics, I was a care worker and a home help so I know how incredibly hard those within this profession work to look after their patients and residents.
“While it can be extremely rewarding, It’s always a tough job and this was never truer than during the pandemic.
“Care workers were forced to carry out their roles under the most intense and stressful of circumstances with very little warning, very limited protective equipment and with plans being drawn up on the hoof as the terrible situation we all found ourselves in constantly evolved.
“While things are now getting easier, I think the memories of those years will stay with our care workers for a very long time and we all owe them a huge thank you for their amazing efforts.
“At Guide Lane, it really was heart-warming to see how the team pull together to support one another and look after the men and women in their care.
“I met a young lady who had given up a promising career in finance to retrain as a care worker five years ago and she said she had never once regretted her decision.
“I also met a resident who had worked at the home as a care worker before moving in to be cared for herself. She spoke so movingly about her time as an employee and couldn’t praise the staff enough for the care they are now giving to her.
“I ended the visit by chatting to the management team who told me about small changes that could make a big difference to their working lives.
“I will never stop fighting to ensure the care sector and all the wonderful men and women who work within it get the recognition they deserve.”