Cheshire Homes - Ann Harding
Michelle van Namen
Jackie Kyle
Before one of my trips to Johannesburg a good friend asked if I will visit and consider Ann Harding for my monthly NGO. David spoke about their mission, their residents and staff with great admiration and care. There I knew this was a home I had to visit. David put me in touch with Jackie Kyle, Funding Manager of this Cheshire Home branch in Northwold, Johannesburg. She was very happy to get some photographs of the staff and the residents and on my next trip I met her, the caring staff and all the friendly residents. Over a couple days I met beautiful people, heard amazing stories and left again with a bigger smile on my face and heart.
The first cheshire home was established in the UK in 1948 by Leonard Cheshire VC. Cheshire Homes in South Africa is affiliated to Leonard Cheshire International in London. There are now more than 500 service centres in 57 countries around the world. Ann Harding Cheshire Home in Northwold is one of 16 service centres in South Africa, and one of three in Gauteng.
Our Mission is to assist people with disabilities throughout the world, regardless of their colour, race or creed, by providing the conditions necessary for their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
We believe that each person, whatever his or her disability, is a uniquely valuable individual and that people with disabilities should have the personal freedom to pursue their aspirations and take their own place in the world.
Mary Madia
Ben Harding established a special home for physically disabled people whom he dedicated it to his mom who was also disabled hence the name Ann Harding Cheshire Home.
Permanent or just Temporary residence who is suffering from becoming permanently disabled as result of:
Motor vehicle accidents
Violence and assault
Strokes
Degenerative diseases
Congenital disabilities
Ann Harding Home is being run like a business, with special care and puts the residence as first priority. Besides beautifully-landscaped gardens, therapy swimming pool and braai areas, Social / Conference room, including ‘Willie’s Crutch’ pub, as well as the mini-gym and physio room, they are very proud of their wheelchair accessible gym that enables Residents to work out without supervision.
When needed to do some shopping, banking, eating out, take in a movie or visit your private or public medical practitioner, they kindly make use of their safety Mercedes Benz buses, kindly sponsored by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).
Greg Swift
Anyone and everyone is welcome to go and visit Ann Harding Home but to learn about the multiple forms of disabilities that is currently present, and see the courage and unique talents within every individual who needs encouragement and assistants with their affliction.
To find out more about Ann Harding contact Sister Vicky Manzini on 011 792 3510 ; headofcare@cheshirehomes.org.za.Who knows, you might just become enthusiastic and caring enough to become a regular VOLUNTEER. check out their site or email annharding@cheshirehomes.org.za