Hardworking staff at a Dorset care home group have received a special thank you gift from their employer.

To make daily life easier Encore delivered more than 400 care parcels to all its staff including those in self-isolation.

The box contained a variety of essential food items such as fresh fruit and vegetables, milk and tinned goods.

And to celebrate the Easter weekend, residents and staff at Encore care homes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will also receive a chocolate egg.

The care sector has had to meet significant challenges in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.

There are believed to be 1.6m social care workers in the UK .

They look after half a million people every day and stand among the 1.4m NHS workers on the frontline.

Rachel Dryden, Chief Executive of Encore, said that after going the extra mile for elderly residents, Encore were keen to look after the welfare of its own carers and support staff.

She added: “We are beyond proud of our incredible staff that range from carers, housekeeping to catering.

“They have been doing a fantastic job and we really do appreciate their dedication to our residents in these difficult times.

“We have been supporting them as much as we possibly can through many new initiatives to make life easier.”

One of the staff receiving a parcel, Care Assistant Valerie Lewis, said: “This is such a thoughtful gesture.

“I won’t need to go shopping now and feel very lucky to work for such a kind and caring company.”

Steve Whitwam, Sales & Marketing Director, Harvest Fine Foods, said: “Harvest are delighted to be working with Encore Care Homes to support members of their team with essential food boxes.

“It is so nice to support a business who looks after their team in this way and has great core values.”

Packing up the food boxes at Harvest Fine Foods.

Encore is currently recruiting additional staff on a full and part time basis in key roles such as Health Care Assistants and in key teams such as catering, wellbeing and reception/admin.

There are also opportunities to volunteer for people with some spare time and would like to help in the care homes.

More information about Encore Care Homes, or volunteering, can be found at www.encorecarehomes.co.uk/volunteers

Encore care homes have purpose-built care homes supporting residents with residential, nursing and dementia care.

The Encore family includes Fairmile Grange in Christchurch, Oakdale in Poole and Great Oaks in Bournemouth.