West Midlands Care Home Celebrates Award Win

During a week of footballing highs and lows, one care facility in Oldbury, West Midlands is pleased to be beating its own drum of success.

Jackie Macalla, Activities Co-ordinator at Portway House has been named as winner in the prestigious West Midlands Care Association (WMCA) awards for 2021, in the category of Activities Coordinator. Jackie, from Quarry Bank, has worked for Portway House since July 2020 and has been ensuring that residents’ wellbeing and quality of life is at the core everything she organises and does.

From live singing to interactive games and chair-based sports challenges, Jackie has been pivotal to keeping residents’ spirits high during the challenging pandemic months. Kim Young, manager at Portway House, comments: “Jackie is one in a million. With her infectious and always-cheerful personality, she is a true asset to our team.

“The residents always look forward to her activities and every day, she goes above and beyond her role and wants to further enrich our residents lives as much as possible – and for that we are truly grateful for all of her efforts.”

A professional singer, Jackie has worked on-board cruise liners entertaining hundreds of people at a time. She decided to remain on dry land to help others, and decided that a career in care was for her.

“I love my job and no two-days are the same. My residents are part of my family and I treat them as I would my own loved ones. I am thrilled to have won this award, it’s a true highlight of my career and something I will cherish forever.”

Keiron Broadbent, CEO of West Midlands Care Association, said: “For us as a judging panel, Jackie was a clear winner. She has demonstrated professionalism, creative thinking and innovative ways to entertain residents and keep their minds and bodies active. We wish her continued success for the future.”