VOLUNTEERS, residents and staff at a Solihull independent living complex were the stars of a special awards ceremony.
Hampton House in Solihull celebrated 34 residents, eight members of Hampton House staff, 13 from Advanced Healthcare (who provide care services for the residents) and a volunteer for their roles.
Special guest, singer-songwriter Gemma Nelson, who has written for and sung with multiple chart-topping acts and recently completed a tour on Broadway, helped to present the awards, and treated everyone to a few songs in between the presentations. Homemade cakes were also served.
Hampton House activities coordinator, Sarah Allen, said she wanted to acknowledge the many individuals “who bring a little something to the house, making it what it is.”
Resident, Pauline Hunt, was recognised for her kind, caring nature, and her efforts to ensure that nobody misses the wide array of activities, events and entertainment that Sarah and her colleagues organise.
Fellow resident, Eddie Dinshaw, also received a certificate, for the “inspiring plethora of stories” he relates about his life to entertain his fellow residents, staff and visitors.
Of the members of staff who were presented with awards, special acclaim was given to those starting out in their careers but who have already made a considerable difference to the residents’ lives.
This included 17-year-old general assistant, Kaila Carolan, was described by Sarah as “a credit to her generation,” who “always has a smile to offer everyone and cares deeply about the residents.” She regularly receives compliments for her politeness and the hard work she puts in.
Volunteer Carole Page was also recognised at the ceremony, and is part of a tradition of volunteering at the organisation that dates back to its foundation in 1956.
Hampton House is managed by Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS).
Hundreds of volunteers now give their time in the network of care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes overseen by ALS today.
Sarah said, “Carole continues to grace Hampton House with her presence, and I wanted to thank her for hosting the weekly coffee morning and quiz.
She continued, “Carole’s mom was a resident at Hampton house and passed away earlier this year, but she still continues to run the coffee morning and the residents absolutely love it.”
Following a special request by several people, one of the resident’s dogs, Boo, was also included in the ceremony for the ways he improves the residents’ mood.
Sarah said: “He is so well behaved and absolutely adorable. The room lights up when he strolls through for his walk.”
