Care home crowns Bracknell resident ‘local hero’

Home news

Apr 12, 2021

A Bracknell resident has taken first place in a care home’s ‘Local Heroes’ competition.

Andrew Eltham, CEO at Age Concern Bracknell Forest, was awarded the top prize by the team at Care UK’s Bickerton House, on Warfield Road, and received £300. Judges were impressed with his fundraising efforts, which allowed the charity to remain active throughout lockdown to support older people in the community.

Age Concern Bracknell Forest is a charity that aims to inspire and support the older people in the community. They promote progressive care and provide respite care to carers, as well as offering advice and support for people living with dementia and their families. While the popular day centre was closed due to the pandemic restrictions, support was still provided for the community when they most needed it. Plans are currently underway to re-open as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Andrew has consistently gone the extra mile for the charity, even working on weekends to re-decorate the day centre lounge to make it a welcoming and cheerful place for visitors prior to lockdown.

Andrew Eltham said: “I’m incredibly proud to work for such an amazing charity, and it’s fantastic to have won this award and be called a ‘local hero.’ I would like to thank all my friends at Age Concern Bracknell Forest who have made the work I do so enjoyable and fulfilling.”

Second place, and a £200 prize, was awarded to Jeff the Bear, a notorious local teddy bear in the Bracknell area known for his ever-changing outfits in keeping with special events – a favourite being his Union Jack ensemble in celebration of VE Day. The bear’s costumes became a hit with the local community, making residents smile and excited for what he would be wearing next.

Erika Smith, Home Manager at Bickerton House, said: “We are thrilled to award first place to Andrew – he is a worthy winner of our ‘Local Heroes’ competition. The work he does supporting an incredible charity is invaluable to older people who live in the community – particularly at a time when more services than ever are closing.

“Congratulations also to Jeff the Bear who won second place – in these difficult times, keeping people smiling is essential.

“It’s been an unprecedented year, so we are pleased to be able to reward people who go above and beyond for their community, friends or family, and have a positive impact on the local area – well done to both our worthy winners.”

The purpose-built care home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own cinema, hair salon and café.

For more information about Bickerton House please call Customer Relations Manager, Jo Anderson, at jo.anderson@careuk.com or call on 01344 989943.

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/bickerton-house