STAFF at a Poole care home have been left feeling ‘proud’ after winning at an inaugural awards ceremony.

Barchester’s Upton Bay care home in Poole scooped the outstanding activity in care award at the Dorset Care Awards 2024.

The awards, newly introduced by Dorset Care Association, are designed to recognise and celebrate extraordinary achievements within the care sector.

The team from Upton Bay were named the winner at a gala ceremony on Friday, April 26, at the George Albert Hotel near Dorchester.

General manager, Mevin Sohorye, said: “I am so proud of everyone at Upton Bay – we have a fantastic team here, we are a family along with our wonderful residents.

"But there’s no doubt that Karen Grant-A’Court is an absolute stand-out activities lead.”

Karen Grant-A’Court is a devoted wellbeing activities lead at the home who is said to have made a “huge contribution” to the success of the home.

She has worked at Upton Bay since it first opened in March 2019, and her staging of activities is benefited by her background in musical theatre and event management.

Karen takes a lot of pride in knowing her residents well, and is adored by them. 

Mevin Sohorye added: “At Upton Bay we get to know our residents incredibly well and work with their families to offer person-centred care, Karen takes that concept to a whole new level – nothing is too much trouble for her residents, their wishes are her commands.

"We all adore Karen and we are so lucky to have her, winning this award is so well deserved.”