Staff and residents at Barchester’s Wilsmere House care home in Harrow Weald are celebrating because one of their wonderful volunteers, Barbara Avery, who has been with the home for 21 years, has been named the winner of the Invaluable Volunteer category in the Stars of Social Care Awards 2025. This award recognises a volunteer who makes a real difference to the lives of residents, staff and the local community.

The awards, which are split into Home Care and Care Home categories, shine a light on the stars of social care, paying tribute to the workforce, who through dedication and a commitment to care, go above and beyond to support those who are most vulnerable in our society.

Hundreds of nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK. All entries were a very high standard and the staff and residents at Wilsmere House are over the moon for Barbara who has beaten hundreds of other nominees to be named the winner. The awards took place on June 21 when Barbara was crowned the national winner.

Barbara has been volunteering at Wilsmere House for 21 years and is loved by all the residents and staff alike. She selflessly gives up her time to come and deliver Faith Matters sessions to residents, which are very well attended. For years she used to drive the minibus and take residents out to the theatre, concerts and museums. She spends quality time with residents to lift their spirits. She was entered for the award by the team at the home to thank her for her years of dedication and support.

On winning the award, Barbara commented: “I was so surprised when I got the news that I had been shortlisted, I didn’t even know I had been entered for an award! And then when I won, it was amazing! The team are so lovely to put my name forward. I love being a volunteer and spending time with the residents at Wilsmere House, it is such a wonderful home and I’m sure I get just as much out of my visits as the residents do!”

General Manager of Wilsmere House care home, Liliana Cocue, said: “It is so wonderful for Barbara to be recognised for all that she does for the residents here, we’re all absolutely delighted for her. She is an absolute superstar – her smile lights up the room, she is so kind and caring and we cannot thank her enough for the time she spends with our residents each week. She really is heaven sent!”