Elysian Awarded ‘Above and Beyond’ Employer
In November 2024, Toby, the owner of Elysian Foods, was delighted to receive an email from Jocelyn Brewer, Employment Consultant at Workbridge, advising Elysian Foods had won one of their Above and Beyond Employer awards.
“I nominated Elysian Foods in Workbridge’s annual Above and Beyond awards which recognises employers who were open to building a relationship with Workbridge, took a chance on a client, and have done a great job in supporting them. We find a lot of employers who talk the talk, but not many who actually walk the walk.”
Henry Kingi, Jocelyn Brewer, Toby Green and Phil Hendry CE of Workbridge
Photo supplied by James Bennett
Earlier in 2024, Jocelyn contacted Toby saying she had a fantastic client who is hard working and committed, who needed support while he recovered from a (ischemic cerebral) stroke.
Henry spent three months in hospital and has had to re-learn many basic movements. While the left side of his body functions normally, Henry says his right side is still catching up. “I’m working hard to get back to 80% in the next three years.
I work just under 20 hours at Elysian Foods, making dips and marinating olives. On the days I don’t work, I get up early and go for a walk, practice walking up and down stairs and do my arm exercises against the wall to improve balance, coordination and control. At physio this week I’ve been trying to hit a balloon…” Henry bursts into laughter!
As Henry talks to us about his recovery, we’re preparing olive bags. Boxes are visibly shaking as he uses his right side. Henry says he focuses on the positives in life; he’s enjoying working, learning new skills and likes to stay active. Henry is also focused on looking after his Mum who is in a dementia ward nearby, helping his Dad at home and sees his partner whenever they can, as she’s currently up the coast looking after her family.
Prior to Henry’s stroke, he was a Supervisor at Canterbury Wool Scourers, who still keep in touch with him checking on his recovery. It’s clear he’s missed! Henry tells us he misses the rural life but being with family right now is where he needs to be.
Toby reflects on this award saying “It’s given to just six of Workbridge’s clients, and we’re thrilled to have made the cut. To us, it means we’re on the right track with supporting our team, helping them achieve their own goals while also growing the business. Henry is a huge asset to the team, he’s developed great friendships with everyone. It’s been great to help his recovery, we can barely keep up with him these days.”