Retirement home manager marks 30 years in Buckhaven

Beginning her career at just 17, Rachael England (Rae) has been working within the housing sector in the area since 1982 and joined Bield in 1991.

Rae currently works as a retirement housing manager at Braehead Gardens in Buckhaven and has undergone an array of health care, leadership and management qualifications.

She said: “I’ve seen many changes in the sector over the 30 years however, the transition over the last year has probably been the biggest. The pandemic has seen staff from different developments coming together virtually to support each other.

“It’s one of the many things I love about working at Braehead Gardens – there’s always been an amazing community spirit and kindness shown from staff as well as customers and the local community.

“In good weather and more normal times, customers like to sit outside in the sun or at the entrance to chat with visitors as they arrive or leave.”

Part of the community spirit comes from the active social calendar Rae and her team organise with regular social events adapted to interests of the customers.

Rae added: “In normal times there’s always something going on, we have a volunteer visiting regularly who joins customers to play board games and has a chat and a cuppa. We also have a hair salon with the regular visit from a local hairdresser which customers really enjoy.”