The Sheffield Angels spreading their wings this Christmas time
Three ladies at local in-home care provider Visiting Angels are here to deliver festive cheer to the people of Sheffield. Dubbed Archer’s Angels, after Managing Director Dan Archer, the trio are prepared to provide a helping hand to residents this Christmas time. Natalie Baker, Victoria Willoughby and Katie Brown are poised for action and couldn’t feel prouder to be in the position to deliver much-needed support in the community.
“In my old job, I used to go to work on a Monday and wish it was Friday already,” said Care Coordinator, Victoria Willoughby. “But now, with Visiting Angels, that’s never the case. I love what I do and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I think the best thing is being involved with many people’s lives at various stages – this year, in particular, has been challenging but seeing the clients happy really does put a smile on my face.”
Victoria had worked in accounts for 19 years before being made redundant for the fifth time. On her search for something new, she applied for a caregiver role with the in-home care company and was offered the job on the spot. Over two years later, and with two promotions under her belt, it’s her overall sense of purpose that has been impacted the most.
“I feel grateful to be in this position, but what’s also great is having an employer that pushes me to achieve my very best. I don’t think I would’ve got to the position I am in today if it wasn’t for the belief that Dan and the rest of the team have in me. It’s amazing!”
Visiting Angels arrived in Chapeltown in July 2017, becoming the region’s first ‘carer-centric’ care providers. Simply put, they place their carers at the heart of the company to promote wellbeing, which translates into their commitment to delivering a gold standard of service. It was this ethos that struck a chord with Natalie when she discovered a caregiver vacancy in the following February.
“I’d worked in domiciliary care before so knew the industry quite well. Of course, it had changed quite drastically since then, but I’d always loved spending time with clients and building lasting relationships with them. Joining the Visiting Angels team just made sense.
“In September 2020, I was offered the role of Quality Assurance Manager. Being a caregiver is physically demanding and I needed the flexibility to spend time with my daughter, so this suited me perfectly. I was still able to work in a company and industry that I love, whilst having the time for myself and young family.”
The third star in the line-up is Katie Brown, “I’ve progressed from caregiver, to team leader and onto being a Care Manager. I love the freedom and I thrive when I’m being supported to work at my very best. This time of year is extremely special as we get to spread the festive spirit and make even more people happy. I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to be spending my Christmas!”
As the trio prepare to ensure goodwill is spread all around South Yorkshire, Dan is thrilled to have this golden team by his side.
“They really are the beating heart of the company. They encompass everything we hope to achieve at Visiting Angels, and it’s great to see how passionate they are within their roles. It goes back to the approach of being carer-centric - if the team are happy and deliver the service with a smile on their faces, then that feeling is more likely to translate to clients and their loved ones. They’re called Angels for a reason!”
For more information on the services that Visiting Angels deliver to families within South Yorkshire, please visit www.visiting-angels.co.uk/southyorks/