A care activity worker from Hereford has received an award at a national ceremony that celebrates excellence in the care sector.

Diana Lloyd, who is an activities co-ordinator at Orchard House Care Home in Hereford, was presented with the Inspirational Individual Award at Shaw healthcare’s annual Shaw Star Awards.

The Inspirational Individual Award recognises staff members who do everything they can to improve service users’ quality of life, enabling them to remain as independent as they can, and be as socially and physically active as possible.

Mrs Lloyd received the award in recognition of her dedication to the role of activities coordinator. She plans regular activities including singing, cooking, gardening, picnics and special lunches to help residents feel special and promote a happy atmosphere at the care home. Ms Lloyd also spends extra time with residents who do not have any family, providing them with valued one-to-one time, and she is praised for her ability to make ‘an ordinary day a special day’.

Mrs Lloyd said: “The activities we organise and provide at Orchard House are vital in helping to enhance the everyday lives of our service users which is why I take such great pleasure and pride in my role as activities co-ordinator. It is a complete surprise to receive this award, but nevertheless incredibly rewarding, and something I am very proud of.”

More than 180 people gathered at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Oxfordshire for Shaw healthcare’s annual awards ceremony which aims to reward and celebrate the achievements of outstanding staff members from amongst the 4,600 care workers across Shaw’s facilities.