SLSW organised an afternoon to remember for SLSW Carer Pat Riglar who retired after 20 years this week.

Her SLC Jean Harper arranged a tea party at the Somerset office for her to thank her for commitment and dedication to the role.

Over the years she looked after three people long-term and has had countless short break placements, where she has made a difference to so many people’s lives.
She was joined by her daughter at the party, other SLSW households as well as people she has supported over the years.

Members of the SLSW staff team also attended, including CEO Dominic Spayne, who presented Pat with a gift to mark her service.

Team Leader Amanda Maggs also gave a speech and recalled meeting Pat for the first time in 2009.

“It was always a lovely experience going to meet Pat and Reg. She and Reg  [Pat’s husband] offered a warm, cosy, supportive and loving environment to everyone that stayed,” she said.

“The garden was full of wildlife- chickens that were rescued from battery farms that she nursed back to health and at the bottom of the garden there were baby goats nudging for milk. I seem to remember an enormous rabbit too.”

Help

Amanda praised Pat for her work throughout the years.

“Pat was always somebody that you could rely on to help out to an emergency,” she said.

“She would consider supporting anybody, and if she could help them she would. Thank you Pat for all that you have given to so many over the years, thank you for being such a great ambassador for the type of support Shared Lives offers people. We say thank you, goodbye and good luck in your next adventures.”

Reflecting on her time as a SLSW Carer, Pat said: “ There has been some hairy moments and sad moments, but on the hole I’ve loved every minute of being a carer.

“I will miss the company and taking people out and supporting them. They have all been part of my family and I’ll keep in contact with the people I’ve helped over the years.

“I didn’t want to retire, but my health had other ideas.

“I feel overwhelmed about the tea party and that so many people have come today.”