Fond farewell to manager Freda from Cheshire House in Inverness
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TRIBUTES have been paid to the manager of a supported living project in Inverness, who is retiring after 24 years working there.
Freda Murray started as a support worker at Cheshire House in 1998 and worked her way up through hard work and dedication.
Having made an enormous impact on staff, residents and the families of residents at the supported living home, one resident, Robert, said: “I know I can always go to her if I have any issues or worries.”
Another resident, John, spoke of her long-standing dedication.
“Freda used to be my keyworker back in the day and she even helped me decorate my flat,” he said. "Freda’s been at Cheshire House for as long as I have and that’s a long time!”
Malcolm Burr, who has lived in the service for 12 years, also had kind words about the wonderful atmosphere Freda has helped to create.
He said: “Cheshire House means a lot to me, living there and also being a volunteer and service user. Everyone is really helpful and supportive.” Malcolm volunteers his time to sanitise the communal areas at Cheshire House every day and was recently given a token of appreciation by Freda for his hard work in keeping everyone safe during the pandemic.
Her role of service manager is being taken on by her deputy Hilary Prosser, who said: “I cannot thank Freda enough for the support and encouragement she has given me. I’m aware I have very big boots to fill.
"We’ll miss Freda and her ‘homemade’ traybakes and cakes – and the unexplained packaging in the bin which suggests otherwise!”
Stuart Robertson, director for Scotland of Leonard Cheshire, the charity which runs the project, said: “Freda is a powerful and dedicated advocate for disabled people, both those supported by Cheshire House and those in the wider community.
“Her leadership has ensured that those supported by Cheshire House live full, inclusive lives and are enabled to fulfil their ambitions in life.
“She will be very much missed by those supported by Cheshire House, their families as well as the staff who worked with her.”
Leonard Cheshire is a pan disability charity who seek to empower disabled people to live learn and work as independently as they choose. With several services across Scotland, ranging from respite care to day centres to residential living services, the organisation’s Cheshire House is a one-of-a-kind service.
Set beside the River Ness, surrounded by beautiful parkland and within walking distance of Inverness city centre, each resident has their own individual flat, comprising of a lounge, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.
