We are delighted to announce that our talented colleague, Jonathan Hoitinga, has been awarded second prize in the annual writing competition organised by The Care Workers’ Charity. This achievement is a wonderful recognition of Jonathan’s creativity and his ability to capture the true spirit of care work.
About the Competition
The Care Workers’ Charity hosts this competition every year to give care workers a platform to share their stories, experiences, and reflections. It is a celebration of the dedication, compassion, and resilience shown by staff who go above and beyond in their daily roles.
The 2023 competition ran from 6 November to 4 December, with the theme of Empathy. Entrants were invited to explore what empathy means in the context of care work—how it shapes relationships, supports wellbeing, and enriches the lives of both carers and those they support.
Learn more about the competition on the Care Workers’ Charity official website.
Jonathan’s Inspiring Entry
Jonathan’s submission was a deeply moving and inspiring poem titled “The Day I Died.” His work beautifully captured the essence of empathy in care, highlighting the profound impact carers can have on the lives of those they support. Through his words, Jonathan illustrated how empathy transforms routine care into meaningful human connection.
His poem reflects the journey of an individual who, despite initial reluctance, discovers comfort, companionship, and love through the empathy of their carers. It is a touching reminder of the importance of listening, understanding, and being present in the lives of others.
Congratulations Jonathan!
We are incredibly proud of Jonathan for this achievement. His recognition in the competition not only celebrates his talent as a writer but also shines a light on the values we hold dear at Hartwig Care—compassion, empathy, and dedication.
Jonathan’s poem is shared below in full, and we encourage you to read it. It is a powerful piece that reminds us all of the difference empathy makes in care work.
“The Day I Died – by Jonathan Hoitinga
The day I died was wonderful.
I’d been alone for years, no family around,
Things were fine till I fell, and became bed bound.
Not wanting to leave the only home I’d ever known,
I agreed to have carers, so I wouldn’t be alone.
At first I hated not being in control,
Carers in and out all day – each had their own role.
Some would cook, some would clean, kept me clean and dry,
Some would make conversation – but I didn’t know why.
In my life I’d no need for friends before,
I enjoyed my own company, of that I was sure.
But why should I change now I’ve people around?
So I said very little, barely making a sound.
But as days turned to weeks, I became quite aware,
That for some of my carers, I’d started to care.
Years passed by, now the highlight of my day,
Are the chats with my carers – they have plenty to say!
Tales of romance, adventure – trips to the sea,
But the thing I like most is that they listen to me.
When I tell funny tales they laugh with glee,
And with tales of woe, they show empathy.
More years went by, and I felt quite content,
Though I knew that my body was thoroughly spent.
I was tired all the time, and I knew why,
I was reaching the end – soon I would die.
Some carers shed tears at my deterioration,
Held my hand – not wanting to leave their station.
But death is part of life, as night follows day,
It comes to us all – no matter what you say.
Finally it was time to ascend to the clouds above,
The day I died was wonderful – it was filled with love”.
Why This Recognition Matters
Jonathan’s success as a Care Workers’ Charity Writing Competition winner highlights the importance of empathy in care work. His achievement not only celebrates his talent but also shines a light on the values we hold dear at Hartwig Care.
By sharing his story, we hope to inspire others in the care sector to embrace empathy as a guiding principle in their daily work.
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