Care home crowns Uttlesford resident ‘local hero’

An Uttlesford resident has been named the winner of a care home’s ‘Local Heroes’ competition.

Jennifer Jarvis was awarded the top prize of £500 by the team at Care UK’s newly opened Bailey Lodge on Radwinter Road.

The contest was launched to find an individual, charity, group or club that makes a positive difference within the Saffron Walden community and reward them for their commitment to the local area.

Over the past four years, Jennifer has run the town’s Forget Me Not dementia café – a weekly service offering support, companionship and advice to anyone living with connections to dementia.

She has dedicated thousands of hours to volunteering, not only coordinating the weekly sessions at Fairycroft House but also organising a wide variety of activities for the group’s members, including dancing, singing, school visits, musical performances, sports and even boat trips.

Jennifer said: “It was a huge surprise to hear I’d been nominated as a Local Hero – let alone win. I do what I do to put smiles on faces, and to leave an imprint on someone’s life even if just for a short moment in time.”

Abhilash Gopi, Home Manager at Bailey Lodge, said: “We all know someone who goes above and beyond for others – here in Saffron Walden, it’s Jennifer.

“The nomination we received on Jennifer’s behalf was so heartwarming that there was no doubt in our mind she embodies what it means to be a local hero. Jennifer has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the many residents in Saffron Walden and the surrounding areas with connections to dementia.

“Supporting the community and vulnerable people is a cause that is close to our hearts here at Bailey Lodge. We are delighted to be able to reward a local hero who positively impacts on the area. We want to extend our congratulations and a big thank you to Jennifer for everything she does.”

Bailey Lodge, which opened in February and is now welcoming residents, is a purpose-built, luxury care home. Designed to allow residents to lead active and fulfilling lives, while also promoting independence, it incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities. Full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, is provided by an expert team.