Celebrating Audrey: Over 30 years of Care
Published on 16 January 2026 11:46 AM
On the very last day of 2025, we said a very fond farewell to Audrey Alcock, one of our longest-standing Support Workers, as she retired after almost 32 years with the organisation.
Audrey first joined us on 2nd February 1994, originally planning to stay “just a few years” while her children were young. Trained as a chef and baker, Audrey found that the long hours were not compatible with family life, especially while her husband was working away for long periods. After a previous caring role elsewhere left her feeling unsupported, fate stepped in during a bus journey home. Spotting an advert for LACE in the Lincolnshire Echo, Audrey got off the bus at Sixfields Close, walked in, and the rest is history.
Over three decades later, Audrey reflects on how much the role has changed. “Things are far more formalised now,” she says, with clearer structures and regulations in place to protect everyone involved. But at its heart, the role has always remained about people, relationships, and trust.
Audrey has supported many clients for long periods, some for over 20 years, building deep and meaningful connections. She is still in touch with family members of clients who have passed away, a testament to the bonds she forms. “You’re with people through the seasons of their lives,” she explains. “There are very joyful moments, weddings, grandchildren being born, and you share those alongside your own life too. It’s a real privilege.”
Some moments stand out vividly. One day, Audrey noticed a cross-stitched Plymouth city plaque in a client’s home and jokingly asked why Plymouth was on display so far from Lincolnshire, only to discover they were both from the same city.
Even more remarkably, Audrey’s childhood Brownie leader had lived just two doors away from her client when she lived in Plymouth, years earlier. Another time, a client living just streets away turned out to have a nephew who served on the same naval ships as Audrey’s husband. “It’s a small world,” she laughs.
Audrey has always believed strongly in helping people remain in their own homes, places full of memories and meaning. No two days are ever the same, even when supporting the same clients regularly. In one long-term role, Audrey delivers 14 hours of care each week to a single client. Together, they have been on coach trips and shared countless experiences. “It would be impossible not to build a connection,” she says.
There have also been lighter moments, including caring for a client’s very chatty budgie while they were in hospital, and deeply moving ones, such as helping a client locate and tend to their great uncle’s war grave. Audrey visited it several times, cleaning and caring for it, laying poppies, and later visiting the International Bomber Command Centre to honour his name. With her own son serving in the RAF, this experience held particular meaning.
Creativity has always been a big part of Audrey’s life. A keen knitter and sewer, she has donated countless handmade items to support fundraising, including memory bears created from loved ones’ clothing. She has sewn quilts, handbags, clothes, and even made all the bridesmaid dresses for her three sons’ weddings. One particularly special creation was a full RAF pageboy uniform, complete with peaked cap, for her eldest son’s wedding.
As retirement approaches, there have been many emotional goodbyes. Audrey admits that the tears from clients this week have been hard. “I’ll miss them most of all,” she says. “Some bonds are incredibly special. You just gel with people sometimes.”
Her last shift will be New Year’s Eve, and Audrey feels that is when it will truly sink in. With her husband now retired too, the time feels right. “Everything has to come to an end,” she reflects. “It’s been a difficult decision, but I love what I do, and I wouldn’t have done it for over 30 years if I didn’t.”
Audrey leaves with immense gratitude for her colleagues and the support she has received, particularly during times of ill health. “I’d absolutely recommend working here,” she says. “I work with incredible people, and having a strong team around you makes all the difference.”