Askham Village Community celebrated its 30th anniversary last month. Sunday 28th October marked 30 years to the day since Mr and Mrs Giga took over the running of Askham House – the first of what is now a collection of five specialist care homes. Together, they make up Askham Village Community, a leading care and rehabilitation facility in Doddington.
“28th October 1988 is a day I will never forget – the beginning of our Askham story,” said Salma Giga. “It is an honour to have been able to support over 1000 families since then – either by helping with their recovery and rehabilitation or being a place that they can truly call home, for life.”
“For us, Askham was, and always will be, about giving back to the community that welcomed us with open arms when we came to the UK all those years ago,” explained Salim Giga, Askham’s Chairman. “When we had our first drive down the tree lined driveway at Askham, we dreamed of what it could become. And we have developed it with that same dream in mind, every step of the way. Askham brings people together and provides a safe, happy and community-led environment for everyone – our residents, their families and our amazing team of staff.”
To celebrate this milestone in the family business, residents and staff enjoyed a special afternoon tea as a ‘thank you’ for their ongoing commitment. Mindful of autumnal and unpredictable weather, the family have decided to postpone a grander celebration until the spring, when all of Askham Village Community’s 100+ residents can join in the fun!
“Whilst we’re marking the occasion today, we’ve decided to save the big celebration until next year – when the sun is shining, and we can throw a big garden party that everyone can enjoy!” said Salma. “A garden party is so fitting because the gardens are central to life at Askham – we’re passionate about the impact that access to nature has on everyday wellbeing and long-term recovery.”
Askham’s five care and rehabilitation centres are nestled in seven sunning acres of rural Cambridge. On-site services and amenities are designed to make the whole place feel like a small, friendly village in which to live. Facilities include a café, a shop, sensory landscaped gardens and a leisure therapy centre. Open to the public, the gardens and café encourage integration and a sense of independence that is quite unique.
Today, many care homes around the UK are experiencing challenges and some are having to close, yet Askham continues to work hard to continue providing the care and rehab services that so many residents depend on. Salim says, “the success of the business is, in part, down to the fact that the family run Askham as a social enterprise”. Rather than being profit maximising, the Giga’s remain committed to their original and heartfelt commitment to be a haven for young and old with any manner of care or rehab need.
Askham has been built on the family values of social conscience, kindness and generosity. Since they were children, Mr and Mrs Giga’s daughters, Aliyyah, now 35, and Rabiyyah, 37, have been an active part of the Askham community and now help run the impressive facility along with their parents.
“Askham Village Community is a place built with the sole aim of giving people the best quality of life possible, no matter their circumstance. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help of our colleagues at the Care Quality Commission and in the wider industry, our incredible staff and of course, the vision of our parents. Askham has already spanned a generation. Working together, we hope to ensure it serves many more to come,” says Aliyyah.
For more information about types of rehabilitation, care and lifestyle that Askham Village Community provides, call 01354 740269 or email info@askhamvillagecommunity.com or visit our new website www.askhamvillagecommunity.com.