Care home resident goes 'back home' to spend afternoon at her old place of work

Kay Walker, a resident at MHA Greenways spent an afternoon at Santander Bank in Bognor Regis where she worked as a manager for 30 years, saying she has “come back home”.

She was given a tour of the bank and spotted plenty of changes since she worked there.

Mrs Walker who was the first manager when the bank opened was accompanied by her husband Robin, who she met whilst working at the bank.

Her husband said: “Kay had a fantastic time at the Santander Bank, where she used to work as manager.

“It was lovely to reminisce about her days working there.

“The staff at the bank and at Greenways helped to make the day a real joy, and it was great to see Kay in what used to be her natural environment.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in making the day happen.”

The Seize the Day initiative that MHA organises encourage residents to re-experience activities or events from the past or to do something they would like to do for the first time.

Joanne Mitchell, activity coordinator at MHA Greenways who organised the trip said: “Since visiting the bank, it's all Kay has been talking about.

“She told everyone what she did and was very happy when she came back to the home.

“As soon as she arrived at the bank, she was taking in her surroundings and kept saying it feels like she has come back home.

“Whenever I do any activities, she is always well organised and still refers to herself as a bank manager.

“It was great to see her really enjoying herself and that's what the Seize the Day initiatives are all about.”

'Kay had a fantastic time'

Cassandra Partridge, community engagement champion for Santander said: “We were more than happy to oblige,” after she was approached by Ms Mitchell with her request for Mrs Kay to return to her former place of work.

“We are always looking for ways to work with the community and this was a great opportunity for us.

“Kay had a fantastic time and even wore red to match our uniform.

“She was very keen to see the different systems that we use now compared to when she worked here.

“It was really nice to see her reminisce and one thing that really struck us was her amazing memory.

“She was telling us how the building and the layout was different when she worked here, and we are all very proud of having her visit us.”

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