A smiling face

People who attend our Safe Place initiative each week are always guaranteed to be met by a smiling face and no, it’s not one of our amazing carers or therapy dogs but ‘one of their own’.

We are, of course, referring to Lesley Gibson, or ‘Our Lesley’ as she is affectionately known by us.

Lesley is actually a customer of Caremark Redcar and Cleveland, receiving two calls each day to help with meal preparation, medication support and general companionship.

Lesley likes to keep busy and volunteers at the Kirkleatham Museum in Redcar.

But when she heard we were re-launching Safe Place at Redcar Rugby Club, Lesley jumped at the invite to help out.

Now, each Tuesday she supports the Safe Place team which puts on activities and other fun things for customers and people who attend from the local community.

Our Lesley helps in the kitchen with food preparation, providing drinks, washing pots and helping the team clean everything up at the end of their session, as well as helping and taking part in activities.

She says: “I love coming here each week and helping out where I can. I may be a customer myself but here I feel like I am part of the team and enjoy talking to the people who attend.”

We recently surprised Our Lesley with a thank you card and gift (her favourite chocolates) – she is definitely our very own superstar!