“It was a wrench to leave St Catherine’s Care Home” says Activities Co-ordinator, Richard Dobbinson, but when he moved house a couple of years ago the trip between Newcastle and his new home in Morpeth was just not practical.
Now Richard has passed his driving test the commuting is much easier so, when he saw his old post advertised, he didn’t have to think twice about applying. “It’s an absolute pleasure to be back he says.”
Richard, who has won awards for his work in the care field over the past 12 years, believes St Catherine’s is the best home he has ever worked in. Most of the credit for this he says goes to Manager, June Spoors.
“June is a real team worker. She is interested in everything her staff are doing, but always lets them do their jobs without interfering. The quality of the care provided in St Catherine’s is also down to first class staff training – it’s second to none.”
As well as planning and organising activities himself, Richard is keen to involve outside agencies such as Age UK, Mind Active and Pets As Therapy to help keep residents mentally and physically active as well as entertained.