Mandy Horne, Bedside Buddy at our Icknield Court care home in Princes Risborough, scooped not just one but two awards at the recent Buckinghamshire Health and Social Care Awards. 

Mandy won both the Care Home Worker Award and the Dementia Carer Award in recognition of her contribution to the care and support of people living at Icknield Court care home, one of the eleven Care Homes within the Trust.

The ‘bedside buddy’ scheme was introduced to support residents who are alone in their rooms. The scheme includes providing companionship, one-to-one stimulation and activities which are adapted to engage people in different ways. Bedside Buddies also help facilitate regular video calls, so people can stay in touch with relatives who are unable to visit in person.

Upon winning the awards, Mandy commented: “I am absolutely over the moon to have won these two awards. I feel lucky to have found a role that is not only making a difference to people’s lives, but also one that I love.”

Mandy’s philosophy is that ‘no one should be left alone’. This attitude, together with her continued commitment during a very challenging year is what resulted in Mandy’s nomination.

The colleague who nominated Mandy said: “Mandy is an inspiring role model who other members of the team turn to. The moments of joy that Mandy brings to people’s lives are priceless to all involved.”

Mandy was one of three colleagues from The Fremantle Trust nominated for the awards. Also shortlisted were Luke Bowyer, Deputy Manager at Sir Aubrey Ward House in Marlow and Rohit Daniels, a Care Worker also from Sir Aubrey Ward House.