Worcester care home manager celebrates national award win

A care home in Worcester is celebrating after winning big at a national awards ceremony.

Katherine Matthews, Home Manager at Care UK’s Perry Manor on Charles Hastings Way, has won Silver in the Mental Health Nurse of the Year category at the British Journal of Nursing Awards 2026. 

The BJN Awards celebrate excellence in nursing practice and research, recognising outstanding achievements across the nursing community.

Katherine began her nursing career in 1996, working in psychiatric hospitals for 11 years before moving into a care home setting in 2007 as the registered manager of Perry Manor

Judges were impressed with Katherine’s approach to care, putting mental health at the heart of everything she does at Perry Manor, whether it’s supporting residents living with advanced dementia – including those who have struggled in traditional settings – or working with families. They also noted her emphasis on upskilling members of the team, from encouraging others to become mental health first aiders to celebrating key days of the year, such as Men’s Mental Health Week and Carers Week.

Judges praised the culture Katherine set at the home, promoting empathy and sensitivity, as well as clinical excellence. This included working with relative ambassadors to support people’s transition when a loved one is moving into a care home, as well as hosting monthly support groups and drop-in sessions for members of the team.

Katherine was originally put forward by a member of the Perry Manor team, who nominated her based on her contributions to mental health nursing and the positive effect her work has had on residents at the home.

Commenting on her win, Katherine said: “I’m honoured to have received this award among all the incredible nominees. It means a lot to have been recognised for work that is so important to me.

“I believe mental health should be at the forefront of everything we do, from caring for residents to supporting families. None of things we’ve achieved would have been possible without the team’s hard work, and our shared dedication to support people, even those traditional settings have failed. 

“A big thank you to everyone at Perry Manor – you all continue to inspire me every day.”

Jemma Griffiths, Regional Director at Care UK, added: “Katherine is an adaptable and forward-thinking care home manager who has created a home for residents and workplace for team members where, no matter the challenge, everyone is listened to and supported with empathy and sensitivity.

“This award is a testament to the level of commitment and attention she brings to everything she does at Perry Manor. She has had such an incredible impact in the care home and wider community – we’re all so lucky to have her.”

Perry Manor is a state-of-the-art home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the home is designed to enable residents to lead enjoyable and fulfilling lives. It has its very own cinema, café and hair and beauty salon, with plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.