‘She is very special to us’ – Kettering village care home worker handed town award for efforts to the community

She has been recognised for her efforts of providing a host of activities to residents in the home, making each day ‘as fun as the last’.

The award was presented by Thrapston town mayor, Andy McGovern at a town council meeting on Tuesday, April 8, having been nominated by the vicar of St James’ Church, Rev Nolan Robson – an award voted for by the local community.

Barbara said: “Anyone who works in the same place as you praises you if you do good work but people coming into the home like visitors or families, it’s important they have a full opinion of you, it gives the home the reputation it deserves.”

Each month has an themed activity with Barbara arranging activities and entertainment from singers, to race days, including 1940s-centric days to coincide with VE day, and even lamb petting in the hope of ‘bringing the seasons in’, helping those who may have limited mobility to enjoy all that each season can offer.

Clanfield Residential Care Home fosters a sense of community by encouraging its residents to be comfortable above all else, with walls decorated with art from the residents, and a garden which is regularly used by the green-fingered residents who can wish to spend time growing flowers or vegetables in the sun.

Barbara added: “If you want one of these posh homes where everything is in its place and everything is shiny as you walk past it, you shouldn’t be here.

“This is a comfortable place. Some homes don’t like things about, we encourage them. They’ve got to feel that this is their home.”

Kerry Devlin, also of Clanfield Residential Care Home said: “She is very special to us. She has turned our activities around, which is fantastic.

"Residents have to realise their capabilities, and they are capable of doing these things, and when they sit at home on their own it can feel like they don’t have a worth; Barbara helps give them a sense of purpose.”