Social Care Hero Recognised as ‘Infectiously Passionate’ at Great British Care Awards Finals

Lifestyle Manager, Danielle Aikenhead, from De Brook Lodge care home in Urmston is celebrating after taking home a prestigious Great British Care Awards regional title within ‘The Care Home Activities Organiser’ category.

Danielle has worked organising activities for the Manchester residents for four years and has the same passion now and she did on her first day. Danielle thrives on creating a diverse and exciting activities programme with residents interests in mind, taking their ideas and suggestions made in regular residents meetings and implementing them throughout the month.

Danielle’s main goal is to create a positive social environment where residents have the opportunity to socialise and make friends with likeminded people. Alongside the daily activities, Danielle is best known for throwing memorable parties for residents and co-workers to celebrate important birthdays, anniversaries and other milestone events.

The Great British Care Awards is an annual event to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated excellence within the care industry. Regional finalists were invited to an awards evening held at The Kimpton Clock Hotel in Manchester where the winners in each category were announced and Danielle will now go on to the final in September in a bid to take home the national title.

Following the winning announcement, judges on the night said, ‘Danielle adopts an innovative and passionate approach ensuring a person centred, meaningful activities programme is delivered at De Brook Lodge. Her passion for her work is infectious!’

Danielle said, ‘I am delighted to have been awarded the regional ‘Care Home Activities Organiser’ award. It’s brilliant to be recognised for my work and it is even more special to know I am making a difference to the lives of our residents. The support I have had from my team and management over the past four years has really given me the confidence to grow to where I am now and I cannot wait to implement even more exciting activities and events in the future.

I believe daily activities are incredibly important for wellbeing, and help residents to socialise and make friends. I’m delighted to have taken home the top regional prize and look forward to the national finals in September!’.

Rachel McIntosh, Home Manager, at De Brook Lodge, said, ‘We are extremely proud of Danielle’s achievement. Danielle is a hugely valued member of the team, and she always goes above and beyond to put smiles on the faces of our residents. Her win is testament to the sheer hard work and commitment she puts in every day to create such a unique and diverse activities programme. A huge congratulations to Danielle from everyone at De Brook Lodge!’.

De Brook Lodge, operated by Ideal Carehomes, is a residential and dementia care home boasting a hair salon and cinema. The home is currently welcoming new residents for short and long term placements. For more information, call 0161 755 9750 or visit https://ichlive1.wpengine.com