SADIE Harris is the friendly face who brightens up the lives of both residents and visitors to Coldwells House care home in Coldwells Road, Hereford.

She is the home's activities co-ordinator, and she organises a wide range of visits and activities to challenge and entertain the residents.

Her hard work and enthusiasm has earned her a nomination in the dementia carer category of the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards 2019.

Judith Davidson, who nominated her, said Sadie works with enthusiasm, consideration and kindness to everyone.

Sadie quickly gets to know and understand each resident's needs, preferences and interests when they come to Coldwell House, she said.

"She makes friends and family members welcome and at ease to engage and share in the residents' lives and interests," said Judith.

"She has organised a range of musical and dramatic entertainment to enhance the lives of the residents. She has involved poets, artists, the Women's Institute, the local church and schoolchildren.

"The musicians are very professional and chosen to entertain and engage the residents in a range of songs which are familiar and uplifting.

"My mother is not able to take part in quizzes, but gets so much pleasure from singing and playing musical instruments to accompany music.

"Sadie has developed an excellent choir, which has a wide repertoire of songs and has challenged residents and improved their wellbeing.

"She arranged an afternoon of entertainment at Homer Village where the choir performed along with two other choirs. It was an outstanding success.

"Sadie is always gentle, inclusive, and caring. She provides individual tailored activities to enhance the wellbeing and lives of those with dementia by listening and providing a wide range of visitors and activities to improve the quality of their life in the home.

"Her enthusiasm and commitment is felt by all residents, staff, families and friends."

The Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards, which are now in their second year, will again salute outstanding work by individuals and teams in the health and social care sector across Herefordshire.

The 12 categories are: Care Team, Care Hero, Care Home Worker, Domiciliary Carer Worker, Good Nurse, Care Trainer, Dignity in Care, Dementia Carer, Palliative/End of Life, Mental Health Care, Care Employer and GP Practice of the Year.

Our headline sponsor is the University of Worcester, the region’s leading healthcare training provider.

A series of supplements in the Hereford Times and special coverage on our website and social media will promote the awards and publicise those shortlisted.

The climax will be an awards ceremony in September when the winners and runners-up are revealed, followed by a special supplement in the Hereford Times highlighting all the successful entrants.

Find out how to submit a nomination: http://bit.ly/2VxQsxR