Edinburgh University student praised for care work during pandemic

Edinburgh University student, Ellen Kilgour, has been lauded for her work with care and housing provider, Bield, over lockdown.

Elen Kilgour

Rather than kicking back following the closures of Universities in March, the 19-year-old threw herself into work on the frontline. She signed up to the Bield at Home project, which works to support the most vulnerable in her hometown of Linlithgow, after being inspired by the care they provided to her grandmother

Ellen, who is studying for a degree in medical sciences at the university, said: “My gran had received care from Bield at Home so I was fully aware of the services they provide and I wanted to be a part of that, to give something back. She received tremendous support from the carers and I could see how massive an impact it had on her life, and so I wanted to offer this quality of care to all the Bield customers.”

Bield at Home offer a diverse range of services in order to improve the quality of life of older people. The service caters for those living within Bield’s West Port and Brae Court establishments, as well as offering support to those who live within a half mile radius of the housing developments.

Ellen was not the only young person to give up her summer to assist with the difficult circumstances of the pandemic. She was joined by students from University of Aberdeen and the University of Glasgow, and together they covered staff who were forced to self-isolate or shield over the course of lockdown.

They underwent rigorous training in order to meet the high standards of both the Bield Service, which requires staff to be SSSC certified, and the up-to-date Government guidance on Covid-19.

Speaking of the team atmosphere, Ellen said: “Although we are all lone workers when in the customers’ homes, our support network was fantastic. Whenever we were unsure of something or had a question we got instant support from more experienced members of the Bield at Home team.

“Everyone looks out for each other which made it really easy to enjoy the work. All the carers have been so supportive.

“I love this job. Getting to know each and every one of the Bield customers was very enlightening. They all have different stories to tell and can draw upon so many of their experiences through their lives, it was fascinating. It was a privilege to have built up a relationship with them all.”

Following her stellar performance, Bield are keen to welcome Ellen back in the future.

Lorna Smith, Bield area manager, said: “Ellen provided an invaluable service to our hard-working team. She approached this difficult, and in many ways vital role with enthusiasm and dedication.

“Everyone at the team were delighted how she fitted in and got on with the tasks. This has a very difficult and demanding period, and with Ellen’s support we have been able to continue providing a high-quality service to all of our customers.

“We look forward to welcoming back Ellen in the near future.”

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