66 YEARS OF LOYALTY, LAUGHTER AND LOVE.
June 2025
66 years of loyalty, laughter and love.
3 Counties Manukau Homecare Trust support workers recently celebrated 20, 21 and 25 years of caring for hundreds of Franklin residents. For Eileen it’s 20 years, Rachel 21 years, and Gillian 25 years.
Here’s how it all began. When her kids had grown up, Eileen moved from a role as a supervisor, to working at CMHT as a support worker.
"Helping make life better”
‘It’s about being able to help someone, to chat, laugh, to bring them out of themselves,’ Eileen explains. She says the training validated that she was ‘doing what I needed to do.’ Eileen is now involved in delivering the CMHT training programme to the new Support Workers.
When she first started in her role 21 years ago Eileen noticed there seemed to be less family around the client; she saw more loneliness than she does today.
She says her job satisfaction comes from ‘helping make life better, helping so they can remain living at home and independent.’
Clients become real people who they often care for, for decades; Eileen remembers one lady ‘the most amazing person I’ve ever met, she had a beautiful personality and such a kind caring family.’
"So many stories to share”
Rachel’s story: ‘It doesn’t feel like it’s been that long,’ notes Rachel who found the role fitted her well as a young mum with a daughter in primary school. She began with part time, adding more hours to the week as she progressed.
Soon after starting the job, Rachel completed a palliative care course and has worked in this field of care for most her 21 years with CMHT.
‘It’s a privilege to be there at this time for clients and family, you get to see the elderly in a different light; they have so many life stories to share.’
"I’m not here to take over”
Gillian was asked to cover a friend’s role at CMHT while they were on holiday. Following that ‘trial’, CMHT offered her a job as a support worker. That was 25 plus years ago.
‘You just take your time with them, so they feel comfortable, cared for.’ Gillian’s cared for some clients for over 15 years.
Gill loves learning about local history when looking after her Franklin clients.
It’s her practice to develop a trusting relationship with both client and family; ‘I always tell them that I’m not here to take over or rush, I’m here to help.’
"I love working for CMHT”.
CMHT’s Manager Trudy Biggelaar says that it’s a privilege to celebrate and acknowledge the dedication and service that Gillian, Rachel and Eileen have given for more than two decades. ‘This is an outstanding milestone in any industry but especially so in the supporting of people in our community to be able to continue living in their own homes.’
"Outstanding milestone in any industry”
‘Their compassion, consistency and professionalism have not only helped our clients but also helped define the culture and values of our organisation.
We thank you for the positive impact you continue to make every day, we count ourselves lucky to have you as part of our team.’