Parklands People: Care without borders

At Parklands, every colleague has a story to tell. Continuing our profiles of international staff, in this issue of Parklands People we meet Blessing, who moved from Nigeria to continue her caring career, and Eli, a 17-year-old domestic assistant from France who’s already bringing years of experience to the team.

Blessing Joshua-Onyegbu
When Blessing Joshua-Onyegbu joined Speyside Care Home in July 2024, she was taking a leap into the unknown – moving from Nigeria to Scotland to continue her career in care.

“I know someone who works at Parklands and she always spoke so highly of it,” Blessing recalls. “When I looked at the website, I saw a striking message: ‘our family caring for yours’. It sparked my interest, and I applied. I was happy, but a bit sceptical because it was a new place I’d never been before. But there’s no regret so far.”

Blessing had already built experience as a support worker in hospitals back home, where care homes are far less common. “In Nigeria, our older ones are cared for at home. We have very few care homes. As a carer, I basically assist residents with activities of their daily living, supporting them with whatever they need to do.”

Settling into life in Scotland hasn’t been without its challenges – not least the climate. “When I first came, it was extremely cold,” she laughs. “But as time went on, I started getting used to it. What’s nice is when you pass someone and they smile at you. That’s not what we are used to in Nigeria.”

Now living in Aberlour, Blessing is thriving in her role as a care assistant. “It’s the satisfaction that comes with the job. When you’ve done something and then you see the feeling of appreciation in someone’s face, it makes you feel very happy. It’s a rewarding job – you know you’ve added value to someone’s life.”

She describes the welcome at Speyside as warm and supportive. “The residents are very welcoming, the colleagues are welcoming – and most importantly, the manager. With Louise as the manager, I can say that I’m enjoying my life here.”

Blessing’s family – two children, Ellis and Emerick – are still in Lagos for now, but she hopes they’ll one day join her in Scotland. “I intend to stay longer term because I’d like my children to come around. It’s a peaceful environment, and I think I like it here.”

Looking back on her move, she has no doubts. “I don’t regret it at all. I’m glad I’m in Speyside. Every migrant should experience it here – it is a sweet experience, sincerely.”

Eli Bernoud
Seventeen-year-old Eli Bernoud is one of the youngest members of the team at Speyside Care Home, but he already brings years of experience to his role as a domestic assistant.

Originally from Mâcon, near Lyon in France, Eli moved with his family to Dufftown nine years ago where he worked in his parents’ acclaimed restaurant, Seven Stills. When his parents sold the restaurant, Eli began looking for part-time work and soon found an opportunity with Parklands.

In his role at Speyside, Eli is part of the kitchen team. “I serve the food for the residents. I do all the washing. I go around with the tea trolley, give them teas and coffees and all the treats. I prepare fruit in the morning, stock up the fridges and do the orders.”

For Eli, the best part of the job is “just being in contact with people. I find it very pleasant, being able to look after the residents.”

Life in Scotland has brought some adjustments. “There are a few cultural differences I find. The weather definitely – it’s much nicer where I was!” he says.

Eli is part of a growing number of men working at Speyside and says the team made him feel welcome from the start. “Everyone’s respectful and so nice,” he says.

Soon, working at Speyside will become a family affair. Eli’s dad, Patrick, will be joining the kitchen team, while his mum Rose will take up a role in the laundry.

For Eli, it’s nothing new. “I’ve done it before, of course, in the restaurant. I’d been working there since I was 12. But I suppose it’ll be different because it was a family business before. Of course, I’ve been here longer – so I can be the boss!”

If you’re inspired to work in care, visit our website for the latest career opportunities – parklandsgroup.com/careers