A WOMAN who has served at a Barnard Castle care home for more than three decades has been shortlisted for a national award.
Jules Coulthard, deputy manager at King’s Court Care Home, has been named as a finalist in the Sara Berrio Care Champion category of the National Care Awards. Ms Coulthard, who has worked at the home for the past 31 years, was shortlisted for the award for, among other things, keeping strong links between residents and the community.
A spokesperson for the awards said: “Keen to preserve the passions and interests of residents, many of whom come from farming backgrounds, Jules works hard to maintain their love of the countryside.
“Thanks to Jules forging strong connections with Eggleston Show, residents are highly involved with the annual event – often bringing home first place prizes and certificates.”
The deputy manager has also been heavily involved in home’s fundraising efforts for community causes, including hosting a Christmas fair last year which raised £1,300 for the town’s Making Memories dementia support group.
Mitch Lloyd, home manager at Kings Court, said: “Jules’s community efforts – both here in the home and in the wider area – have changed this home into something which really engages our residents.
“We are proud of our home and its standing in the local community. Jules and I often comment that we will move in eventually – we have our rooms picked out and Jules says that as long as she can keep wearing her wellies, she will be a happy resident.”
One resident at Kings Court, added: “Jules is incredibly friendly, helpful and has a great sense of humour – she went out of her way to help me settle in and form friendships within Kings Court.
“During my time here, Jules has helped me improve my confidence massively and for that I’m really grateful.”
Ms Coulthard said she was thrilled to have been nominated.
She added: “I was incredibly excited to hear that I’ve been listed as a finalist. Many of the residents I now care for I knew when I was a child, so it’s important to me that I show them the same care and encouragement they gave to me.”
The winner will be announced on Saturday, November 26.
