ESSEX’S CARING CHELSEY CONTENDER FOR PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD
At New Copford Place, the Colchester-based residential care home run by charity, Friends of the Elderly, the residents and care team have been congratulating Chelsey Leather, the care home’s fantastic Activities Coordinator on becoming a Finalist in this year’s esteemed National Care Awards.
Chelsey is a Finalist in The Care Activities Co-ordinator/Facilitator of the Year category, an award which recognises and acknowledges the person who works in either a care home or day care service who has made an exceptional contribution to the quality of life, health and happiness of all the people they care for and support through the activities they provide.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to be a Finalist at this year’s National Care Awards,” said Chelsey. “To be a Finalist alongside so many deserving others and recognised for what I enjoy and love doing every day is amazing.”
Chelsey has worked in the Care Sector since 2009 when she was 17-years-old, joining Friends of the Elderly’s New Copford Place residential care home in Colchester in September 2023.
Having dedicated her career to the Care Sector, Chelsey has transformed life at New Copford Place through her devotion to meaningful, person-centred activities. Her approach is not about filling time, but about creating joy, confidence and purpose in every resident’s day.
“Chelsey gets to know each resident on a deep level, getting to know their likes, favourite hobbies and pastimes to make sure all her activities are tailored to meet each individual’s needs,” said Daniel Sabau, the Registered Manager at the care home. …2
“To ensure the activities include things all the residents enjoy and engage with, Chelsey has designed a fluid activities calendar bespoke to the residents’ individual likes and preferences. It includes Puzzle Club, gentle exercise, seated exercise classes, Bingo!, Scrabble Club, musical entertainment, visiting performers, film nights, afternoon teas and reminiscing sessions and much more; all of which the residents thoroughly enjoy.”
Chelsey’s Art Club is a particular favourite where the residents can express their artistic talents. Pieces produced range from abstract paintings to still art creations to fun sculptures. “The Art Club is a great activity for the residents. It’s not only a good social exercise, but a very therapeutic activity,” said Chelsey. “Puzzle Club is another social activity which not only entertains the residents but helps with their cognitive functions and problem solving skills. Scrabble Club is a great way for the residents to interact with each other as they play in couples or in teams. The residents help each other with letters, words and keeping score. They all amaze me with their word skills, especially the residents who are living with dementia.”
Keeping the residents motivated and engaged is at the heart of what Chelsey achieves every day by encouraging participation and praising all achievements. By creating an understanding and supportive environment with an encouraging, reassuring atmosphere, Chelsey builds the residents’ confidence and instils an upbeat outlook in each one.
“Chelsey has solid links to the local community and works hard to ensure that the residents feel valued members of that community. Through a range of community events Chelsey brings different community groups and local businesses into New Copford Place, helping the residents to engage and remain a key part of the community,” added Daniel.
Chelsey’s creativity shone when she recently organised the care home’s summer celebration of the charity’s 120th anniversary – a 1950s themed event.
“The idea for the 1950s extravaganza came from one of our regular reminiscing sessions. Rock n’ roll songs of the 50s are a firm favourite, so the residents decided that was the theme of the event they wanted to go with,” continued Chelsey. “It was a wonderful event and we welcomed 90 visitors from the local community who interacted with the residents and participated in all the 50s themed activities.”
To support the residents’ mental and physical wellbeing, Chelsey also organises monthly visits from Essex Therapy dogs, regular singing sessions, arts and crafts with The Copford Brownies, bi-monthly music making time with Musical Moments and weekly intergenerational ‘Stay and Play’ sessions with local Mums and their children.
Chelsey also introduced an interactive Tiny Tablet to expand opportunities for residents to stay engaged and stimulated. With its large accessible touchscreen and wide range of apps, it enables everything from memory games to music sessions and even virtual travel. The flexible design means it can be used upright for group activities or flat as a shared table, making it inclusive for residents with different levels of mobility and ability. It’s quickly become a favourite, encouraging creativity, conversations and connections.
“For residents who are living with dementia, using and engaging with the Interactive Table can increase their mental stimulation. They can experience and enjoy reminiscing, playing games, sensory, learning and relaxation activities. It’s been great seeing our residents happily getting to grips with the new technology and making the most of the different applications it has to offer,” added Chelsey.
Chelsey’s compassion is matched by her determination to never give up. She finds creative solutions to every hurdle, ensuring that no resident is left out. Her gentle encouragement draws people into social activities, often turning quiet observers into enthusiastic participants.
For those unable to leave their rooms, Chelsey brings the activities to them, spending one-to-one time, making sure they feel included, valued and supported. “By doing this, I can deliver a bespoke service that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can take part in, enjoy and socialise. The residents are an extension of my family and my goal is to make sure that each resident has a good day – every day,” said Chelsey.
“Chelsey’s creativity, compassion and determination ensure that New Copford Place is not only a care home but a vibrant community where older people live meaningful, fulfilled lives. She is a truly remarkable Activities Coordinator and a very worthy Finalist in the prestigious National Care Awards. Everyone at New Copford Place – and at Friends of the Elderly – will be cheering her on for a very well deserved win,” concluded Daniel.
The National Care Awards 2025 ceremony will take place on Friday, 7th November 2025, at the Park Plaza London, Westminster Bridge in London.
