Care home with 'mini-UN' staff celebrates 35 years

TWELVE NATIONALITIES ON WORKFORCE-AND THEY'RE ALL LEARNING WELSH

- By STEVE BAGNALL

A NORTH Wales care home celebrating its 35th anniversary has been likened to a “mini United Nations” due to its diverse staff.

The staff at Cartref Bryn yr Eglwys in Pentrefoelas, Conwy, represent 12 nationalities with people from India, Nepal, Romania, Zimbabwe, Poland, and the Philippines among them and all of them are learning Welsh.

The home was established in 1990 by registered nurse manager Meryl Welsby.

Over the years she has gradually extended it to offer 30 beds for people aged 18 upwards in need of end-of-life, nursing and respite care.

According to mum-of-two Meryl, finding local people to fill the care roles had been a major challenge for decades, with many unwilling to work the unsocial hours, so she had been forced to look farther afield.

"We're a bit like a mini United Nations here," she daid. "However, the overseas staff have fitted in very well. They are learning Welsh using the Say Something In Welsh app, and most of them can have a conversation in Welsh. They are also understanding our unique culture here in Wales."