An Interview with Our Great British Care Awards Winners

Janet Mansbridge and Zoe Searston Interview: Great British Care Awards Winners

Langwith Lodge Residential Home is still celebrating its wins at last month’s Great British Care Awards. Members of the management team were thrilled to discover that the home had won not one, but two awards at the regional event, which celebrated the very best talent in the care industry across the East Midlands.

Langwith Lodge Residential Home's manager Zoe Searston secured the East Midlands Registered Care Manager Award, while activities co-ordinator Janet Mansbridge won the East Midlands Activities Co-ordinator Award. These awards are thoroughly deserved, and stand as a testament to Zoe and Janet's hard work, passion, dedication and care.

Vicki Weller is the managing director of Your Health Limited, which owns Langwith Lodge Residential Home. She says, “Langwith Lodge is a wonderful place for residents and staff, and that's because of the amazing team Zoe has in place. She and Janet have done us all so proud, and deserved every second of their celebrations!”

Let’s meet the ladies…

Zoe began her career in care seventeen years ago, having moved back to the area to care for her dad following a heart attack.

“I’d always assumed that a career in care wouldn’t be for me. Some people are made for it and some people aren’t; I didn’t think I was up to the job. However, I decided to take the plunge when my sister suggested applying for a local care home. I had cared for my dad since my return, and I became more confident that I could do it for other people.”

Zoe flourished, and took huge satisfaction from her new role. Two years ago she was introduced to the management team at Your Health Limited, which owns Langwith Lodge. She was persuaded to apply for the position of home manager and the rest, as they say, is history.

“This is the first home that I’ve managed, and I really had no idea what to expect. Every day is different, and there are good days and bad days of course. Some would say I am interfering, no doubt! However, I like to know what’s going on in the home; I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t oversee the home and its staff, or attempt to get involved with every aspect of home life. As far as I’m concerned being a home manager isn’t a job but a way of life – one that I embrace.”

So, how does Zoe feel about winning Registered Manager of the Year for the East Midlands Region?

“I couldn’t believe it when my name was called. I really didn’t expect it. While it’s nice to be recognised in such a way I accepted the award on behalf of the home; ensuring Langwith Lodge is the best it can be is a team effort, and I cannot take all of the credit for its success. I am so happy for the team, and for the home. We are one big family, as cliched as that might be.”

Activities Co-ordinator Janet was similarly shocked to have won her award. Named Activities Organiser of the Year for the East Midlands Region, Janet credits home manager Zoe and the rest of the home’s team members and residents for her success:

“I’ve only been in the role 12 months, and couldn’t quite believe what I was hearing! I’ve always been crafty and keen to use my imagination, even as a child. Despite working in administration for a lot of my adult life I jumped at the chance to join Langwith Lodge when I saw a vacancy for activities’ co-ordinator just last year. What a whirlwind it’s been; I spend my time reading people and judging their needs, as well as tailoring activities to suit whole groups of our residents.”

Janet continues, “Zoe’s support has been absolutely integral to my time at the home, and I adore every single day. It’s hard work, though; I don’t think some people realise how isolating, or tough the role of an activities co-ordinator can be. It’s a huge responsibility too; I’m under pressure to create and adapt a whole range of activities to suit different capabilities, personalities and needs. My work is all about maintaining consistency, even when the residents’ moods and behaviour is anything but consistent from day to day. But I absolutely love my job, and I love spending time with the residents. It’s a huge honour, and that’s the truth.”

The feel at Langwith Lodge Residential Home is one of family. Staff members work hard to ensure that residents are happy, healthy and engaged, as well as receiving daily stimulation and enrichment from their environment and activities. Zoe and Janet’s awards are thoroughly deserved, as is recognition for those that support and work alongside them.

Do the ladies have any advice for those thinking of working in care?

Zoe: “Do it! A career in care is one of the most rewarding you’re likely to encounter, and no two days are ever the same. We get real job satisfaction on shift with our residents – how many jobs can claim that in all honesty?”

Janet: “If you’ve the drive to succeed and the passion for people then I’d certainly recommend a career in care. I’m still learning as I go, even now – I don’t think the residents have done teaching me all they know!”

The management team at Your Health Limited and everyone at Langwith Lodge Residential Home is incredibly proud of Zoe and Janet. The future is looking bright for the home, with even more opportunities for the team to work together to deliver excellence.