After spending many years looking after his grandparents who both suffered a stroke, Arshad Farid has launched in-home care company, Caremark Calderdale, The Clock Tower, Shaw Lodge Mills, Shaw Lane, Halifax, HX3 9ET. The compassionate businessman has aspirations to tackle the growing need of quality care and social isolation that is prevalent in the region. He is looking forward to bringing employment and great quality care to people living in Calderdale.

“The thing that sets us apart from other providers in the area is that we are challenging the current model for delivering care. We’re putting a brand-new system in place to meet the varying needs of our clients. Our aim is to be the carer of choice for the people of Calderdale, inspiring elderly and vulnerable members of the community to live independently, for as long as they possibly can.”

On 17th June, Arshad – known as Ash – invited the Mayor to his office for the business’ official grand opening. The buzz of the day generated much attention with members of the public and Caremark’s team enjoyed meeting some of the people they would be caring for in the coming weeks and months.

The 34-year-old has spent most of his career working in financial services until, in recent years, he opened an indoor football centre to promote sports and exercise to the local community. It was during this time that Ash became a carer for his grandparents after they both, unfortunately, suffered a stroke, deciding to sell his football centre and launch an alternative community-minded enterprise instead.

“Taking care of my grandparents was the only right thing to do, I didn’t think anything of it. It was when my friends mentioned that I was a ‘carer’ that it prompted me to start thinking about bringing a new service to the community. I wanted to make a real difference and Caremark’s proven quality of care can do just that. The people of Calderdale were so welcoming of my previous business, that I believe they will do the same for this one.”

At the end of May, Ash and his newly appointed Care Manager, Vicky Burrows, received registration from the Care Quality Commission. Caremark Calderdale, based at the Clock Tower on Shaw Lane, has already enlisted the help of local care workers, to satisfy the demand for their growing list of clients. Alongside, Vicky – who comes with 13 years or experience in the care industry – Ash is looking to bring employment to a team of office staff and care workers over the coming months.

As well as overseeing operations, Ash is keen to start fundraising in the area. As part of the official opening celebrations, the team raised over £100 for The Alzheimer’s Society annual Cupcake Day to raise awareness and help make a difference to more lives.