A HItchin home welcomed their local MP for a visit offering an opportunity to showcase the positive environment created for residents

Alistair Strathern, MP for Hitchin visited MHA Elmside and spent the afternoon taking in the surroundings and seeing firsthand the vital work being carried out by staff.

Alistair was welcomed by the home manager Violeta Latviene and spent time listening to the residents' weekly sing-along hosted by the activities co-ordinator and chaplain.

The two had some healthy conversations on social care and the challenges facing the sector.

Community integration partnerships like the homes association with North Herts College was something Alistair was keen to explore further and aims to visit the home again during a session..

He also presented a long-service award to care assistant Barbara Aston, who marked 10 years' service with the home.

MHA Elmside provides residential and dementia care for 69 residents.

Speaking after the visit Violeta said: "It was a pleasant visit from our local MP. 

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"He was very keen to learn about the structure of MHA Elmside and to better understand how admissions and funding work.

"He was very open to discussing any concerns we may have and was willing to take these back and potentially raise them with the board.

"I felt that he is very community-focused and is looking at different aspects of the current challenges within the community. 

"He also wanted to know more about our partnership with North Herts College and would like to visit again when we next have a session with them.

"He very kindly presented a 10-year employment award to one of our staff members, who was very touched and overall, it was a great day."