Maiden Castle House ‘inspirational’ volunteer recognised with ‘Unsung Hero Award’

An ‘inspirational’ volunteer at a care home in Dorchester has been recognised as an ‘Unsung Hero’ at the Dorset Care Awards.

Sue has volunteered at Maiden Castle House for over a year after visiting and supporting her husband who lives at the care home on Gloucester Road.

She was recognised at this year’s Dorset Care Awards ceremony, organised by the Dorset Care Association, which took place at the George Albert Hotel in Dorchester.

Ashley Smith, Home Manager at Maiden Castle House, put Sue forward for the accolade. In his nomination, he said: “From day one, Sue’s devotion to supporting her husband and ensuring that this is his forever home has been nothing short of inspirational.”

Ashley said that Sue visits the home every day to visit her husband, Bob, and enjoys taking him out into the local community. Afterwards, she offers an extra pair of hands with serving lunches and chatting to residents, as well as playing the keyboard for them to sing along to.

“She always gives up her own time for the benefit of others. She doesn’t do this for recognition, but she deserves to be celebrated for everything she does at Maiden Castle House.”

Speaking about her award-winning efforts, Sue said: “It was a real surprise. My husband, Bob, and I have been together for 37 years and he has lived at the home for the past 18 months. I still want to look after him, even if I can’t do that at home. You can’t just switch off as soon as your loved one moves into a care home. I like doing things to support the staff as they do so much to support Bob. We have a lot of laughs. It’s a fun place to be. I love it here.”

Feedback from the judges at the Dorset Care Awards included: “Sue’s passion shines through the selfless commitment, warmth and joy she brings to the care community, all while navigating her own personal journey. Sue embodies the heart of social care. She is the very definition of an ‘Unsung Hero’.”

Maiden Castle House, which is part of the Care South family of care homes, provides residential, respite, and dementia care. It features a dedicated activities team who organise a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships. Residents at the home benefit from a choice of communal lounges overlooking a courtyard garden area and separate landscaped garden offering peace and tranquillity.

Care South is a leading provider of high quality residential and home care services across the south of England. The not-for-profit organisation, which is a registered charity, has care homes in Dorset, north Devon, and Somerset, and home care offices covering east and west Dorset, and northeast Somerset and south Somerset.

For more information about the care services available, go to www.care-south.co.uk or call 01305 237652 to book a tour of Maiden Castle House.