We were immensely saddened and deeply shocked by the sudden death of Kamla Ram-Henman (Kam) in June. Kam will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, who was supported by her and who worked with her.
Kam started working for Grace Eyre Housing in January 2013 – she was its second member of staff and also its longest serving staff member. Kam greatly valued people’s rights and would fight for those rights, whether this was by supporting individuals and couples to find a good quality home, or by supporting them to ensure that they had the right benefits and funding to be able to maintain and flourish in their new home. During her work for Grace Eyre Housing, Kam supported many couples to gain recognition of their relationship and supported them to have a home of their own.
Kam will also be remembered for her gentle and sincere approach to her work. She was principled and yet very supportive of others and their views. She worked very closely with many partners both within and outside of Grace Eyre. Most of all, however, Kam will be known for her mutually respectful, friendly and caring work with people with learning disabilities – she really helped them to achieve their dreams and wishes!
In recognition of the fantastic work Kam so ably started we have the following tributes from those who were supported by her and who worked with her:
“Kam was a true purveyor of human rights, fairness and above all justice. She was always happy and welcoming. She was my friend and mentor, I will miss her dearly.” – Chris H, Grace Eyre Housing Manager
“I am the newest member to the Grace Eyre Housing Team and I was lucky enough to spend most of my working days learning about the job and shadowing on the job with Kam. I feel so lucky to have been taught and guided by Kam, she was so knowledgeable but what made me realise how amazing she was, was how she related with people and how she had the ability to connect with all kinds of people – especially with our clients and people with learning disabilities. I hope to continue to practice all of the great things that I have learnt from Kam, I do miss her dearly and I hold my thoughts close for her family. Rest in peace Kam, you memory lives strong.” – Patrusha, Housing Worker, Grace Eyre Housing.
“Kam was such a good person, even though you could have done something wrong, she made you feel like you hadn’t and she would just deal with it, and not make you feel guilty.” – Lucy, Grace Eyre Housing Tenant
“Kam was a lovely person, it was a privilege and joy to work with her and I learnt a lot from her both personally and professionally. She was always a very supportive and helpful colleague. Her dedication and passion for supporting people to live independent lives and fulfil their potential was amazing. She had developed a very shrewd perception and understanding of people and their needs and showed great respect to all. It is a huge loss to the Grace Eyre Housing Team but her spirit will live on in this team and in our work.” – Maggie, Housing Worker, Grace Eyre Housing
“An amazingly thoughtful and caring colleague who always used her vast knowledge and expertise to the benefit of others; she is greatly missed on so many levels.” – Chris B, Deputy CEO