A Glasgow woman has been commended for her 15 years of service with Bield at this year’s annual general meeting.

Marie Conway, 45, who currently works as a care assistant at the housing and care provider’s Coxton Gardens development in Glasgow, was acknowledged for her years of service and contribution to enriching the lives of older people at the company’s AGM last week in Edinburgh.

Marie originally joined Bield after undertaking a social care course at Kelvin College in the Easterhouse area of Glasgow, being drawn to the care industry because of experiences in her own personal life.

Marie said: “I helped look after my gran when I was younger, so I suppose it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I once took my mum, who has dementia, out to the shops and seeing her light up about something as simple as buying lipstick with her own money really showed me the difference that this type of work can make.

“However, my start in the care industry was very sudden. I remember someone coming to my door to promote the local college. It just so happened that the Social Care course was starting the next day. It all happened so quickly.”

Marie started working for Bield in 2003 as a home support, before moving onto her current role following training and support from staff.

Marie added: “When the time came for me to start a new role, I didn’t want to go anywhere else. I wanted to stay where I was, so I applied for the Care Assistant role when the opportunity came up.

“I was nervous about all the training I would need as it was a more hands on role and I needed medication training among other things, but my manager was really supportive and told me to ‘go for it’.

“I’m glad she did because Bield’s training really is amazing, and the staff I was working with were really helpful in answering questions and supporting me in the role. It really is a good team.

“Looking back, it doesn’t feel like 15 years at all. I originally started in the job because I wanted to make a difference, and the work I do is very rewarding.

“I have really enjoyed my time at Bield so far, especially because of the bonds I have made with staff and tenants.

“They really do make it hard to leave work after a shift because I’m always thinking about them when I go home. We are like one big family.”