Maidstone care home celebrates national award wins

Care home team members in Maidstone are celebrating after winning big at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Amy Thornton, Lifestyle Lead at Care UK’s Invicta Court, on Gidd’s Pond Way, was awarded the title of ‘Lifestyle colleague of the year’ in the Residential Care Services (RCS) Stars Awards.

Brian Thornton was also awarded ‘Maintenance person of the year’ for the second time, alongside the Housekeeping Team who won the ‘Exceptional housekeeping’ award.

The awards recognise individual and team excellence at more than 150 care homes nationwide across Care UK’s RCS division. The ‘Lifestyle colleague of the year’ award celebrates individuals who consistently deliver outstanding levels of care and a wide range of activities to encourage residents to live meaningful lives.

Judges praised Amy's supportive attitude, outstanding passion and attention to detail, which has been recognised and valued by relatives, residents and colleagues alike. Amy, who has worked at Invicta Court for four years, strives to provide a wide range of activities for residents and encourages positive risk-taking that facilitates independence in a safe environment.

Passionate about empowering and inspiring residents to take the lead and shine, Amy has been instrumental in granting residents’ wishes, organising summer fairs and dementia charity events, and creating the annual Christmas displays. She supports residents in creating and facilitating activities they love, which in turn, helps grow their confidence.

Commenting on her win, Amy said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed. I couldn’t do my role without the incredible support of my lifestyle team at Invicta Court and the wider Care UK family. They are outstanding, and this is exactly what a whole‑home approach looks like. This award truly belongs to them.”

Brian Thornton said: “Winning the Maintenance Person of the Year award again was such an honour, and it feels incredibly rewarding to see my hard work recognised. A huge congratulations to all the other winners as well, it was inspiring to celebrate alongside you.”

Sara Barbosa, Home Manager at Invicta Court, added: “Being recognised for these awards is a true testament to the team’s hard work and commitment to making Invicta Court a wonderful home for residents.

“These awards recognise colleagues who go the extra mile, and Amy, Brian, and the team, have certainly proven to us all what it means to support residents to live life to the fullest – well done all! It is uncommon for a Maintenance Manager to bring the level of creativity that Brian consistently demonstrates, and he goes above and beyond in everything he does.

“As a married couple, Amy and Brian spend their time planning and delivering new ideas that continually delight and engage the entire Invicta Court community.”

Invicta Court is accredited by the Veteran Friendly Framework – a collaboration between several armed forces charities. To achieve this status, they had to meet eight key standards, including noting Armed Forces status within care plans, addressing social isolation, and signposting to support services, such as their local Royal British Legion branch and other charities that provide support for veterans or their partners.

The multi-award-winning care home has also seen Customer Relations Manager Jaime Jukes celebrating her Service Champion Award win from the Armed Forces Network for her work with Veterans and the Veteran Friendly Framework accreditation, alongside hosting the monthly Veterans Café.

Invicta Court offers a permanent residential, dementia and nursing care and short-term respite care in luxurious surroundings, ensuring that residents can lead active and fulfilling lives. The home has its very own café, hair and beauty salon, bar and cinema room, and the highly trained, professional team deliver an excellent standard of person-centred care.