Social care workers overwhelmed by praise after TV documentary

Two social and healthcare assistants in Grenaa have been flooded with messages of support after appearing in a DR documentary series hosted by Anders Agger, Indefra med Anders Agger – Gaden i Grenaa.

The pair, Cecilie Brunhøj and Anna Toft, feature in the programme caring for a group of socially marginalised residents, performing tasks from cleaning in protective gear to checking on medical appointments. Their work has sparked an outpouring of admiration online, with a post in the Facebook group “8500 Grenaa” attracting over 650 comments and 10,500 likes.

Comments praise their dedication, with many calling for better pay and recognition. “This is MEGA-good, loving, and professional work for a desperate wage,” wrote Palle Møller, a local pedagogue. Christa Slangerup, a social pedagogue from Slagelse, added: “You’re impressive and handle it superbly. You deserve more pay.” Others, like retired social and healthcare assistant Kirsten Arildsen, suggested non-financial recognition, such as flowers from their employers.

Brunhøj and Toft say they are stunned by the attention. “We’re just municipal employees, and the work becomes routine. But seeing others’ reactions, I can see it’s wild what we do,” Toft said. Brunhøj added: “We don’t feel like heroes. If people could see everything we actually do, they’d be surprised by how many dilemmas we face every day.”

Toft welcomed the recognition of the complexity of their profession, noting that many assume their work is limited to elderly care tasks like compression stockings and rye bread meals. “It’s just mega-nice and fantastic to be seen and acknowledged for this work,” she said.

The documentary series continues with two more episodes on DRTV in November.