Deangate Care Home’s Rachael Addy Named Community Hero

A Barnsley care home worker has won the Community Hero Award at the prestigious Proud of Barnsley Awards 2024.

Rachael Addy, activities coordinator at Deangate Care Home, in Barnsley, was presented with the award at a glittering ceremony attended by over 600 guests at the town’s Metrodome Arena.

For the first time, members of the public were given the chance to vote for the winners of each of the Proud of Barnsley Award categories, with Rachael picking up the most votes for Community Hero.

She said: “Never in a million years did I think I would be nominated for this award let alone get to the finals and then to win. Not little old me. Words can’t describe how I feel to have won the Proud of Barnsley Community Hero Award 2024.

“I am overwhelmed by the support from our local community, family, friends, colleagues, our residents’ families and most of all our fabulous residents at Deangate, who I have the privilege of working with every day. If it wasn’t for them, I would not have been nominated as I do all these crazy but meaningful activities for them and the surrounding community members.

“All of our residents have a special place in my heart and I’m making it my mission to show as many people as possible how amazing they are. Life shouldn’t end when you enter a care home, it’s just the beginning. And I will keep going to put them on the pedestal they all rightly deserve.

“It has been an absolute honour to be nominated with so many amazing individuals that are wonderful in their own right. Thank you again to everyone from the bottom of my heart. I will cherish this award.”

Rachael has worked at Deangate Care Home since 2019 and has organised dozens of activities, events, and outings for elderly residents and the wider community.

Earlier this year, she raised over £2,000 for the residents’ fund with a charity skydive, despite her fear of flying. She also helps organise Love to Move exercise classes for residents and those living with dementia outside the care home, becoming a certified deliverer for the British Gymnastics Foundation run programme.

Rachael led Deangate Care Home’s bid to for Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status and recently launched a new Carers’ Café in partnership with Barnsley Carers Service, to support those who dedicate their time looking after loved ones.

Rachael Dawson, home manager at Deangate Care Home, said: “We are so proud of Rachael for winning the Community Hero award at this year’s Proud of Barnsley awards.

“Rachael is such a hard worker and does so much for our residents and the wider community. I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”