A team from a Winchester charity was among a delegation of care providers attending a reception at No 10 Downing Street.

Brendoncare chief executive officer Marianne Wanstall invited Petya Koeva, housekeeper at Brendoncare Park Road and John Debil, nurse at Brendoncare Otterbourne Hill, and Annie Burisky, general manager of Brendoncare Stildon to join her at the reception, hosted by Helen Whateley MP, Minister for Social Care.

The reception was to recognise and thank representatives from across the care sector for the work that they do.

The representatives were made very welcome in the garden of No 10. They had the opportunity to meet the Minister and to discuss topical issues relating to the care sector.

They also met Deborah Sturdy, chief nurse for social care in England.

Hampshire Chronicle: John, Marianne, Annie with MP Helen Whateley.

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Speaking after the reception, Petya said: ”We had a wonderful day at number 10. It was a great opportunity to visit such a famous place and even meet the famous Larry the Cat!

“I was pleasantly surprised that people from different roles in care homes such as housekeeping, maintenance, catering and activities, as well as nurses and carers, were invited and acknowledged for the wonderful work they do.”

John said: “I was humbled to have the experience of visiting No. 10 giving me the opportunity to broaden my horizons, be able to meet others from across the sector and hear about the Government’s plans for the future of social care.”

Marianne added: “We had the opportunity to meet Helen Whateley and discuss topical issues, in particular the challenges regarding local authority funding levels and the importance of funding care at a level that ensures we can pay and reward our colleagues better.”

The Brendoncare Foundation, a Winchester-based charitable organisation, provides care homes and community clubs for older people across the south of England