AN activities co-ordinator at a Stourport care home is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious care award.

Carla Siwicki, who has worked at Ravenhurst Residential Care Home, in Lickhill Road North, for more than five years, has been shortlisted for the activities co-ordinator category of the Great West Midlands Care Awards following a surprise nomination by her employer, Sanctuary Care.

She said: "I was really shocked to find out I had been nominated and I am overwhelmed to have got through to the finals.

"It is a huge honour and I feel incredibly proud to have been shortlisted ahead of co-ordinators from the entire region for such an amazing accolade.

"My residents mean the world to me and I do everything I can to provide them with a wide range of enjoyable and stimulating activities.

"Seeing them smile makes me smile and that is why I love my job so much."

The award if for an activities co-ordinator who shows exceptional skills and creativity and is passionate about their role in providing a wide range of stimulating activities for their residents.

Andrew Green, Ravenhurst manager, added: "At Sanctuary Care, activities play a huge part in residents' lives.

"Carla inspires and motivates our residents to live life to the full by supporting them to do the things they love, as well as trying new things.

"She makes activities personal to our residents as individuals and inspires her colleagues to do the same.

"She is a very special part of our team and we feel very lucky to have her here at Ravenhurst."

The regional winners will be announced at a gala night on Thursday, November 24, at the ICC in Birmingham.

The winners of the regional awards will then go forward for the Great British Care Awards national finals, which will take place in spring 2017, in Birmingham.