A Cirencester care home worker has been awarded a national care accolade.

Steve Chamberlain, activities coordinator at Hunters Care Centre in Cirencester, was crowned as the national winner in the Activities Coordinator of the Year category at the 2019 Barchester Care Awards earlier this month.

The awards celebrate staff and volunteers who go the extra mile for the benefit of residents and patients living in Barchester care homes and independent mental health hospitals.

More than 1,900 nominations were received from colleagues across the UK.

After being shortlisted as one of four divisional winners, Steve was joined by the three other divisional winners from across the UK at a special awards ceremony where he was awarded the national prize, and was presented with the trophy and a £500 gift voucher by Barchester’s CEO Dr Pete Calveley.

The judge for the category, Resident experience manager Lucy Tomlinson said of Steve: "He puts residents at the centre of his planning, making sure there are a variety of activities, each a reflection on what residents truly enjoy.

"Steve is committed to his work, understanding that structure and consistency is required to enrich lives and bring out the value of meaningful activities, for not only the residents at the home, but their loved ones, their friends and family and neighbours in the community.

"Some of the feedback Steve received thanked Steve for his positive enthusiasm and commitment he brings to the day to day life of residents, staff, visitors and families.

"Steve leaves each person he meets with a shining impression, and he is an asset to the home and to Barchester.”

Steve said: “I am very proud, and very honoured to be receiving this award.

"We work hard here at our hospital with a focus on the people we care for, and not for accolades, but it really is very special to be recognised in this way.”