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BCOP has celebrated the commitment of colleagues across all three of our Birmingham nursing homes, with Long Service Awards recognising staff who have dedicated 10 and 15 years to supporting our residents.
Two special celebrations were held at Robert Harvey House and Neville Williams House, bringing together colleagues, residents and families to recognise the people who have become such an important part of life in our homes.
The first ceremony took place at Robert Harvey House on 15 June, when members of the team celebrating 10 and 15 years with BCOP received their awards.
Residents, family visitors and colleagues gathered in the lounge for the presentations, which were made by BCOP CEO Helen Gore and Trustee Lydia Willetts.
Helen spoke about some of the events that had taken place during the recipients' years with BCOP, including the Brexit referendum 10 years ago and Adele topping the charts 15 years ago – a reminder of just how much can change while our long-serving colleagues remain a familiar presence in the lives of our residents.
Each member of staff received a certificate, gift vouchers and a white orchid to thank them for their commitment. Afterwards, everyone celebrated together with cake and Robert Harvey House's famous samosas.
A second Long Service Awards ceremony was held at Neville Williams House on 28 July, this time recognising colleagues from both Neville Williams House and Anita Stone Court who had reached 10 and 15 years of service.
CEO Helen Gore was joined by HR Manager Caroline Sampson to make the presentations, with each recipient again receiving gift vouchers, a certificate and a white orchid.
Helen reflected on some of the changes and memorable events that had taken place during the years the recipients had worked for BCOP, before everyone had the opportunity to celebrate their achievements together over celebration cakes.
Long service is particularly important within nursing care.
When someone moves into a nursing home, they are not simply receiving a service. The home becomes their home, and the people caring for them become an important part of their everyday lives.
Over time, experienced staff get to know residents extremely well – their personalities, preferences, routines and the little things that matter to them. Residents get to know and trust the people supporting them, while families gain the reassurance of seeing familiar faces when they visit.
For people living with dementia, continuity and familiarity can be particularly valuable. Having people around them who know them well and understand their individual needs can help create a reassuring and supportive environment.
Long-serving colleagues also build relationships with residents' families and become part of the wider community surrounding each home. It is one of the reasons we often talk about our homes as having a family atmosphere.
Choosing a nursing home for someone you love is an important decision, and families understandably want to know as much as possible about the people who will be providing their care.
A team that includes staff who have chosen to remain with the same home for 10, 15 years or longer provides an important indication of experience, dedication and commitment.
It also means experienced colleagues can pass their knowledge and understanding of BCOP's approach to care on to newer members of the team, helping us maintain the culture and standards that residents and their families expect.
BCOP is therefore particularly proud to celebrate long service. These awards recognise much more than the number of years someone has worked for us. They represent years of relationships, conversations, kindness, teamwork and countless small acts of care.
Congratulations to all our 2026 Long Service Award recipients at Robert Harvey House, Neville Williams House and Anita Stone Court – and thank you for everything you continue to do for our residents and their families.
You can see all our photos from the two days on our BCOP Facebook pages: Robert Harvey House and Neville Williams House