With a passion for care and helping people thrive in their careers, former Physiotherapist Amy Lahner and her husband Darryl are on a mission to revive Canterbury’s care industry and bring some South African ‘ubuntu’, meaning ‘humanity to others’, to British care culture.

Having recently relocated to the area and noticing the lack of effective care available, Amy and Darryl have launched Visiting Angels in Canterbury – a team that cares for people in the comfort of their own homes. Alongside their team of care professionals, the two are determined to bring a new level of compassionate care to the community – striving to uplift the lives of both clients and carers alike.

Having worked as a physiotherapist for over five years, treating both ICU and ward patients post-operation or for chronic conditions, Amy is no stranger to the world of healthcare and the limitations that can arise. On the other hand, Darryl has worked at one of South Africa’s leading banks for 22 years – providing him with a real insight into the world of business and entrepreneurship. Together, they make the perfect pair for launching Visiting Angels in Canterbury.

“I want to see people be able to develop their careers as a carer. In the bank, staff were treated as a priority with the continuous opportunity for career growth and development. My career change means that my work is now more personal and meaningful than it ever could be in my previous role,” said Darryl.

“I hope for our team to feel understood, supported and respected under our management. Having worked previously for a practice where staff were mistreated – I’m a firm believer that time is more valuable than money and that no one should waste their time being mistreated or doing something they don’t enjoy. I see this business as an extension of my work in healthcare where I can build even more personal relationships than before,” added Amy.

Visiting Angels’ ‘carer-centric’ approach sets it apart from other companies in the in-home care sector. Carers working for Visiting Angels feel valued and respected for their commitment to the industry. By offering financial rewards and avenues for career development, Amy and Darryl and the Visiting Angels team are committed to addressing industry challenges that frequently leave caregivers feeling undervalued and underappreciated.

This committed couple recently relocated to the area in July and have instantly fallen in love with Canterbury’s history, student culture and diversity – quickly feeling very at home and welcomed by residents. Being from South Africa originally, the culture is very different to the UK – there is a phrase ‘ubuntu’ which means ‘humanity to others’ and ‘I am what I am because of who we all are’ which promotes the idea that everyone is looked after by their community – which essentially becomes their extended family. These interlinked family dynamics create a culture of care which Amy and Darryl are determined to share with their new British community.

“I’ve always loved working in a team so I’m excited to build one of my own where each person’s strengths can be utilised and celebrated. We can’t wait to see the day where carers can love what they do without being taken advantage of by employers,” said Amy.

With caregiver turnover in the care industry rising to as high as 77% for reasons such as low pay, poor working conditions and too much responsibility, Amy and Darryl are determined to encourage caregivers to stay in the industry, by providing them with a supportive, respectful and rewarding work environment. More than anything, they want to change the face of social care for the better and to make it accessible to every person who needs it.
Amy and Darryl already have plans for expansion once the foundations of the Canterbury office are solid, looking to grow outwards both east and west towards Broadstairs and the Isle of Sheppey – areas heavily populated with elderly people in need of efficient and high-quality care.

“We’re passionate about providing employment opportunities to the area which will create life changing experiences all around – helping to create an industry where carers promote and praise their job because they love the work so much,” added Darryl.

For more information, or to see how Visiting Angels could help care for your loved ones, visit www.visiting-angels.co.uk/northkent/canterbury or call Amy and Darryl and the team on 01227 204858.