A resident in one of our retirement living schemes has won a Mayor of Shrewsbury award for promoting and enhancing the local community.
The Mayor’s Awards honour the unsung heroes of Shrewsbury, who make the town a place people love to live, work, play and visit.
Gwen was shortlisted for the award in the Community Category, along with 14 other people, in recognition of her 44 years working within the care industry, both in nursing homes and in the community.
Her nomination, which was read out on the evening of the awards in April, said: “Gwen does not miss anything and makes sure that the people she cares for are well looked after, whether it is checking their medication or making sure they are comfortable and have something to eat. She is a caring and warm lady, and she gives everything to the job.”
Earlier this year, the then Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Becky Wall, said she was delighted to present the award to Gwen for her dedication and caring nature which will have benefitted all who she has cared for and will have been a great comfort to their families.
Gwen moved into our retirement living scheme, in Shrewsbury, four years ago to be closer to her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Alongside her care work, she began running a breakfast club and Sunday lunch club at the scheme in her spare time, for other residents to enjoy.
Gwen said: “I just love helping people and I feel very proud and honoured to have received this award.
“I’m so glad I moved here; I really love it here. I’ve done a lot of care work in the community, so I know a lot of the residents and I love being able to bring all of them together at the breakfast and Sunday lunch clubs. It’s just lovely to see.
“I do the cooking with the help of another cook, and four other ladies who help us with the washing and tidying up and are all volunteers like me. My grandson also helps to take the meals to the tables and he loves chatting with all the residents and has got to know them all.
“It’s great seeing other residents there, as a lot of them have never been to the community hall at the scheme before. A few weeks ago, I found out that one of the residents couldn’t cook and the only time they’re having a hot meal is when they come to the breakfast and Sunday lunch clubs.
“I want to do a lot more for the scheme and I’m hoping to also start a keep fit exercise class soon.”
Executive director of housing and care, Les Clarke, said: “Gwen deserves recognition for her contribution to the community and I’d like to thank her for everything she does at the scheme.”