Warwick retirement village employee championed for 'going above and beyond' during the pandemic

An employee at a retirement village in Warwick has been recognised for 'going above and beyond' during the pandemic.

Inspired Villages, the later living operator behind the Austin Heath retirement village, recently hosted an online award ceremony to celebrate people's efforts in the business and for those who supported over 65s to help prevent loneliness and isolation amidst the pandemic.

Inspired Villages set up the VIVA awards to celebrate outstanding work carried out by its colleagues throughout the year with the winners decided by votes.

The company-wide award ceremony took place online with the Austin Heath team getting together at the village with balloons and a buffet to log on and see their colleagues around the country.

Nathan Cawston, maintenance manager at Austin Heath, was recognised with a VIVA award for his efforts to go above and beyond at work and his dedication to helping residents.

In between his day to day job as maintenance manager, Nathan has also been helping deliver cooked meals, groceries and shopping to residents’ doors, as well as arranging socially distanced activities and supporting other village teams during an incredibly busy time.

Nathan’s colleagues were full of praise, with one saying: “Nathan is the man that can. If he can’t do it no one can. He is a joy to have around and the residents love him.”

His hard work also earned Nathan a place on the ARCO Roll of Recognition this year.

ARCO is the national trade body for retirement living communities and the Roll of Recognition honours the retirement living colleagues who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic as voted for by village residents and colleagues.

Nathan’s story has also been included in the 'Little Book of Inspiration' - Inspired Village’s annual booklet celebrating colleagues.

Lawrence Cramer, people and culture director at Inspired Villages, said: “The VIVA’s were a great opportunity to demonstrate just how much we appreciate our village teams across the UK.

“Our philosophy is centred around looking after residents’ physical, social and mental health and encouraging them to enjoy a healthy, happy life.

"No one could have predicted what would happen this year and our village teams have worked incredibly hard and gone out of their way to ensure residents feel safe, supported and in good spirits.

"Nathan is the perfect example of this and he is an extremely deserving winner.”