Special recruit helps deliver meals on wheels

West Sussex's meals on wheels service had a special recruit helping one Friday last month.
Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with Apetito delivery driver Caz Huchison meets resident Major Piers de Berniers-Smart (photo submitted). SUS-160505-151800001Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with Apetito delivery driver Caz Huchison meets resident Major Piers de Berniers-Smart (photo submitted). SUS-160505-151800001
Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with Apetito delivery driver Caz Huchison meets resident Major Piers de Berniers-Smart (photo submitted). SUS-160505-151800001

Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council cabinet member for adult social care and health, joined one of Apetito’s drivers to help deliver hot lunches.

The service runs 365 days a year and delivers more than 3,000 meals each week across West Sussex, enabling elderly, disabled, or housebound residents to remain independent in their own homes, and supporting them at times of particular need, for instance, when someone has returned home from hospital.

Mr Catchpole said the service was more than just food.

Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with Apetito delivery driver Caz Huchison meets resident Lorna Townsend (photo submitted). SUS-160505-151749001Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with Apetito delivery driver Caz Huchison meets resident Lorna Townsend (photo submitted). SUS-160505-151749001
Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council cabinet member with Apetito delivery driver Caz Huchison meets resident Lorna Townsend (photo submitted). SUS-160505-151749001
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He explained: “If someone does not answer the door, or something does not seem quite right, then the driver can report back so a relative can be contacted.”

Among the customers he met was Lorna Townsend, 95, who praised the delivery drivers.

She said: “They always have a smile on their face and are never in a rush. It is an essential service to me and keeps me independent.”

Another customer, Major Piers de Bernières-Smart, 92, said: “I am not a natural cook so this service is excellent. I am impressed with the variety of the menu.”

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Mr Catchpole delivered the meals with delivery driver Caz Huchison, who said: “I love my job. It makes me happy when the customers are happy.”

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the service as well as meeting the customers. This is a really important service, ensuring residents receive regular nutritionally balanced meals.

“It also helps to enable them to stay in their own homes for longer and gives their relatives reassurance that someone will be looking in on them. This all contributes to good health and wellbeing.”

Steve Griggs, regional manager from Apetito, said: “The service Apetito provides is more than just a hot meal. It allows for clients to remain in their own homes knowing that a nutritionally balanced meal and dessert, together with a quick check are available 365 days a year.

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“The team at Apetito are delighted to be working in partnership with West Sussex County Council to ensure that the service is available to all residents throughout the county and making a real difference to their lives.”

Mr Catchpole added: “We want to make sure as many people as possible know about the county’s meals on wheels service. If you know of someone who could benefit from having their meals delivered please get in contact with Apetito to see what a difference it could make for them. Meals can be delivered once-off or seven days a week, it is up to the customer.”

For more information about Apetito email [email protected] or call 01903 718893.

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