03/07/2025
āI opened the business 21 years ago today. Over that time, Iāve learnt about myself, the industry, and humankindāespecially the kind bit!
Iāve been amazed, astounded, and awe-struck by the lengths people go to in order to make others feel loved and cared for. Iāve witnessed countless acts of kindness, and some of the saddest goodbyes.
Now, 21 years on from a small office in a shared space in Portchester, the business has grown into a groupāhome to our wonderful companies, Acre Care and Safe Harbour Home Care. These two businesses are as much a part of Platinum Care Solutions as Platinum is itself, sharing the same vision and values.
The heart of everything we do lies in this vision, and it remains just as fundamental today as it was 21 years ago.
The Platinum Care Solutions Groupāencompassing Acre Care and Safe Harbourāis here to āMake Lives Better.ā Over the years, weāve provided jobs to more than 1,000 people, creating a safe and nurturing place to learn, evolve, and grow into experienced and valued carers.
Weāve been the starting point for many professional journeysāfor students of medicine, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, business, finance, and, of course, the most valued of all: the humble carer.
These are the people who support the NHS, the true front lineāthe lifeline for many.
Itās my ambition to elevate this vital role, to take our message to the Department of Health and advocate for this incredible workforce. So knowledgeable, so underestimated, yet crucial in caring for our ever-growing older population. I want the role re-evaluated, the skills enhanced, and the people in these roles seen in the light they truly deserve.
In 21 years, Iāve seen technology become essential in care delivery. With AI now more prevalent, the world is shifting toward the digital. But what technology can never replace is a warm smile, a gentle touch, and a soft-spoken reassuranceāespecially when you or your loved ones need to see, feel, and hear that human presence.
So, what does the future of care look like? In my view, the floor belongs to youāour healthcare workers. You are a vital cog in our society: keeping people safe at home, out of hospital, and supporting them through transitions in and out of care. You give people independence and choice, allowing them to live in the comfort of the familiar.
I will always be grateful to those who choose a career in care, and I will never stop shouting your praises and lifting you up.
Finally, a huge thank you to my loyal and devoted team who support me every day. Iām still just one womanāwho, 21 years ago, felt like a girl with a dream. Without your kindness, support, and loyalty, I wouldnāt be here today.
I feel beyond lucky to be in this position, surrounded by smart, kind, and brave people who challenge the norm and fight for the wishes and dignity of those who need us. I respect and thank you deeply.
To the tea sippers, the coffee drinkers, the squash-only folks, and the no-hot-drink-at-all crewāthank you, Team. Letās raise our teacups, coffee mugs, water bottles, and glasses to everything weāve achieved, and all thatās still to come.
Hereās to the futureāstill and always āMaking Lives Better".
Jo Barryā
