Front row - Marj Parfitt, Norah Williams and Lorraine Bower. Back row - Cllr Roger Mazillius Peter Hopkins and Jenny Dallimore.
A SERVICE that offers a lifeline to some of the Isle of Wight’s most vulnerable people has celebrated its silver anniversary.
Wightcare Services, run by the Isle of Wight Council, was launched in 1987 and provides an emergency community alarm and response service for more than 2,500 people.
In 2006 the council considered privatising the service, but after concerns were raised by staff, a cross-party scrutiny committee and Unison, the decision was taken to keep it under council control.
To mark its birthday, Marj Parfitt, an employee who has been with the service since its launch in 1987, presented a cake to 93 year old Norah Williams who has been with the service since the start.
They were joined by Lorraine Bower, Wightcare operations manager, Peter Hopkins, commissioning manager for safe and secure homes, and Roger Mazillius, IW Council cabinet member responsible for adult social care.
Cllr Mazillius, said: "This is a vital service that supports one of the council’s key corporate priorities of supporting older and vulnerable residents to remain safe and secure in their own homes.
"Users have the peace of mind of knowing they are only the push of a button away from a dedicated and skilled team of professionals who can respond swiftly to a variety of needs.
"I would like to thank all of the staff who have worked so hard over the years to make Wightcare the success it is and thank Mrs Williams for helping us to celebrate this milestone."