Meet Joanna Zang, Bistro Assistant

If you have ever visited our Bistro, you might have met Joanna Zang, our sunny Bistro Assistant.

Joanna has been with us for over three years, bringing her warmth and energy to every shift.

“The best thing in my role is meeting people, and interacting with family members who have a relative in the Hospice. It’s always nice to meet people, and working with vulnerable people is interesting,” Joanna says.

She especially loves seeing returning families:

“It’s really nice to see that they still have faith to come back to the same building. That’s special. I also enjoy it when the church group comes – about twenty elderly, over 90-year-olds, come to celebrate together. They gather in the Bistro regularly, usually on Sundays. They all come from different care homes, so transport has been provided. They spend time together and it’s just really nice.”

A little fun fact about Joanna: she’s originally from Nigeria, where food plays a huge role in family gatherings! Recently, the Bistro served African and Caribbean dishes to celebrate Black History Month, including Jollof rice, a favourite from Joanna’s home.

“Jollof rice is usually eaten at weddings, parties, Christmas, all the time – everyone loves rice and meat in Nigeria and there’s no party without it!”

What else would Joanna like to see on the Bistro menu?

“Maybe some plantains” she says with a smile. “You can boil, fry, or mash it – it’s just very versatile.”

Joanna’s love for her team and the compassion they share shines through:

“Everybody here has their own personal life, but we all come here with one kind of compassion and we work together. Our team are very close – it’s more of a family than colleagues!”

She also appreciates the work-life balance Arthur Rank Hospice Charity provides her as a mum.

“I can start at 9:30 and finish at 2. This job caters to you. It’s another thing that’s really good.”

It’s clear that Joanna’s warmth and dedication make a lasting impact. Next time you visit the Bistro, be sure to say hello to her!

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The Bistro is open every day from 9am – 4pm and for morning coffee, lunch, tea and cake and Afternoon Tea on Wednesdays please book in advance) and roast dinners on Sundays.