Springfield Manor’s Megan reaches Great British Care Awards regional final
A Springfield Manor care worker who discovered her passion for supporting older people while studying Fine Art has been named a finalist in one of the care sector’s leading awards.
Megan Kettle, Wellbeing Lead at Springfield Manor Care Home in Stoke-on-Trent, is a finalist in The Care Home Activity Organiser Award at the Great British Care Awards.
Born and raised in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Megan studied Fine Art at Staffordshire University while working night shifts at a care home to support herself through university – an experience that ultimately changed the direction of her career.
From Fine Art to a career in care
Megan said:
“I fell in love with looking after people. After university I worked privately supporting somebody in their own home, and that was when I realised I had a particular interest in developing activities and finding different ways to engage with people.
“I didn’t have much experience or any formal qualifications specifically in activities at that point, but I just kept trying because I knew it was the career I wanted.”
Megan joined Springfield Manor as Activities Co-ordinator when the home opened in May 2024 and has since progressed to become its Wellbeing Lead.
Her approach centres on getting to know residents as individuals, understanding their personalities, life stories, skills and interests and finding meaningful ways to connect with them.
When a resident living with dementia began communicating primarily in his native Italian, Megan learned conversational Italian to help him feel understood and included. She also taught herself to play guitar after discovering another resident’s lifelong love of music.
Megan now takes musical requests from residents, with John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads a particular favourite alongside songs by Bob Dylan, Dire Straits and The Beatles.
Megan said:
“What I find most rewarding is getting to know somebody and finding that connection. It could be their favourite music or film, something they used to do, or a skill that is important to them.
“I also think it’s important for people to understand that there can be so much joy for people living with dementia. It isn’t always about achieving a particular outcome from an activity – the experience, connection and enjoyment somebody gets from taking part can be just as important.”
Recognition from residents and families
Megan’s approach has earned praise from residents and their families. The family of resident Kenneth Halliday said Megan “looks beyond the condition and sees the person”, describing how their shared love of music has helped give him friendship, confidence, purpose and laughter.
Reading testimonials submitted in support of her award nominations made being selected as a regional finalist particularly emotional for Megan.
She said:
“I was overwhelmed, but in a good way. It was difficult to put into words, but I just felt really proud.
“Reading what residents and relatives had said about me was very emotional. Knowing you’ve built that kind of relationship with somebody, and that their family trusts you with someone they love and feels confident they are safe and secure, is amazing. I might have cried a little bit!”
Beck Jones, Home Manager at Springfield Manor Care Home, said:
“Megan brings tremendous creativity, energy and compassion to her role, but what really stands out is the time she takes to understand each resident as an individual.
“Whether she is learning another language, picking up a guitar or finding a completely different way to connect with somebody, Megan always goes that extra mile. We are incredibly proud to see her recognised as a Great British Care Awards finalist.”
Megan will represent Springfield Manor at the Great British Care Awards West Midlands regional final at the ICC in Birmingham on Saturday 7 November.
The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence across the care sector, recognising individuals and teams who make a positive difference to the lives of the people they support.
Springfield Manor Care Home is operated by Highgate Care Homes and provides residential, dementia, nursing dementia and complex care in Stoke-on-Trent.
