Maldon MP John Whittingdale cut the ribbon on Friday, 13 August to officially open a new care provider in South Woodham Ferrers (SWF) which covers the Maldon district.

Private provider of home care services, Home Instead, opened its new branch in SWF on 4 January this year, but could only provide companionship services as it was waiting to be granted registration by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

It can now offer its full services to elderly residents in SWF and its surrounding communities after being granted registration by the CQC - including home help, companionship, personal care and dementia care - to help them live independently in their own homes.

Susan Garrett, care manager of the branch, said: "Mr Whittingdale cut the ribbon to officially open us.

"He was very gracious and spent some time here asking lots of questions and getting really involved and enthused about it."

The SWF office is owned and operated by Dorothy Nwankwo, who decided to bring Home Instead to SWF and its surrounding communities in order to improve the quality of care delivered in the area.

Areas to which the branch will deliver care include SWF, the Dengie, Burnham-on-Crouch, Hockley, Maylandsea, Southminster, Rochford, Bradwell-on-Sea, Canewdon, Monsale, Church End and Rayleigh.

The team are now on the lookout to recruit local caregivers. Susan said: "Now we've officially got our registration, we're getting busier by the day.

"I just need more and more caregivers.

"Part of the official open day was to get our name out there and attract people in the local area."

Susan said that the branch is already receiving a positive response from residents.

She said: "The clients absolutely love the caregivers we've got.

"We have a good reputation with our clients already."

Caregivers will be required to provide personal and professional references, complete an enhanced DBS check and undergo intensive training.

The branch is located at Tabrums Farm on Tabrums Lane in South Woodham Ferrers.

To find out more information on the new branch, you can visit its website using the link here.

You can also visit its Facebook page using the link here.

You can contact a member of the office team on 01245 979 579 or email [email protected] or [email protected].