Kelly Ward, who began work at Eothen Care Homes, Gosforth as a 16-year-old apprentice in June 1996, has celebrated 30 years at the same care home. Staff and residents held a surprise party in June to mark her three decades of continuous service.
From apprentice to team leader
Over the years Kelly progressed through a number of roles at the Gosforth home — moving from apprentice to night carer, then senior carer and now team leader. Her long service places her among the care home's most enduring members of staff, second only to the organisation's chief executive, who has 33 years' service.
- Joined: June 1996, aged 16
- Roles held: Apprentice; night carer; senior carer; team leader
- Celebration: Surprise party with cake, flowers and novelty face masks
- Family link: Kelly's daughter also completed an apprenticeship at the home and is now a senior carer
What colleagues and residents said
Louise Nicholson, Home Manager at Gosforth, described Kelly as “one of our longest serving members of staff” and praised her commitment. Residents who have lived at Eothen for several years also paid tribute to Kelly's character and care.
"Looking back over the past 30 years, I feel incredibly lucky. I'm still here, still smiling, and still grateful to be part of such a fantastic team," Kelly said.
Resident Hilda Thompson, a long-term resident at the home, said Kelly was a "sunny individual" who was always helpful, while another resident, Marion Hately, described her as one of the kindest and most caring people they had met.
Local impact and context
Long-serving staff are a visible asset to care homes, providing continuity for residents and helping preserve institutional knowledge. Kelly's three-decade tenure — and the fact her daughter has also chosen a career at the same home — illustrates how apprenticeship routes can support careers in social care locally.
| Year | Role / Event |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Joined Eothen Care Homes, Gosforth as apprentice (aged 16) |
| Later years | Served as night carer and senior carer |
| By 2026 | Team leader; celebrated 30 years of service |
The surprise celebration included cake, flowers and novelty face masks depicting the team leader. Such events recognise staff retention at a time when recruitment and retention in social care remain priorities for providers and local authorities.
Kelly reflected on relationships formed during her time at Eothen, noting lasting friendships and the privilege of being part of residents' lives across many years.
The occasion received warm responses from colleagues and residents alike, underlining the value placed on dedicated staff in Newcastle's care sector.
