Lincolnshire Care Worker Named Activity Co-Ordinator Of The Year By Key Industry Body
Val Taylor, who works for The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) at Apple Trees Care and Reablement Centre in Grantham, has been named Best Activity Co-ordinator of 2014 by the National Activity Providers Association (NAPA).
NAPA has introduced a number of awards for the first time this year to recognise expertise in a range of activity related topics. The Best Activity Coordinator is the most sought after award for an individual whose role is dedicated to offering meaningful and purposeful activity for individuals living in the care home.
Val, who has been working with OSJCT as an Activity Co-ordinator for over three years, was selected for the award due to her endless enthusiasm and willingness to work beyond the call of duty, especially when helping residents move from an older OSJCT care home to the newly-opened Apple Trees – a 64-bed dementia care home.
She also supports a team of 20 volunteers and has set up an enrichment programme for residents who choose to stay in their rooms, in addition to supporting staff in engaging with residents and actively promoting the home in the local community.
Val commented: “It’s a true honour to be recognised with such a prestigious award – especially from such an important industry organisation like NAPA.
“After working for many years in local schools, I discovered a new role and chapter in my life by becoming an Activity Co-ordinator for OSJCT and can honestly say that the work I do has been the most rewarding and challenging of my life.
“The best part of my role is the joy and laughter it brings on a daily basis, as well as the value and appreciation I feel at the end of each day.
“I truly adore my role and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else other than with the residents at Apple Trees. Every day, I am thankful that the Trust allows my colleagues and me to make a difference to the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people.”
Sylvie Silver, Director of NAPA, commented: “By setting up our NAPA Awards we aim to recognise the skills, talent and dedication of so many activity providers. Val is a shining example of a highly organised, empathetic and innovative person. She also has the ability to motivate others and help older people, living in care, to enjoy life to the full.”
The awards ceremony will be held in London on 17 September during an Afternoon Tea event led by TV presenter and journalist, Pam Rhodes.
Dan Hayes, Operations Director of The Orders of St John Care Trust, commented: “NAPA’s annual Best Activity Co-ordinator award is one of the most coveted accolades offered to those responsible for planning events, outings and activities for care home residents. NAPA is very selective when choosing recipients, so it is very special for Val to be recognised for her dedication, hard work and for constantly going above and beyond her normal duties.
“To see an individual within our organisation receive such a prestigious award speaks volumes about the high standard of care provided by the Trust, and we couldn’t be prouder of the example Val has set, not just within OSJCT, but the industry as a whole.”
