Staff: Richard Sweeting's Story

The people who work in our homes are one of a kind. Not only do they make a difference to the people they care for, but they offer vital support to residents’ families and friends, and play important roles within the wider community.

Richard Sweeting is an Activities Coordinator at Highfield Care Home in Tadcaster, where he works hard to help every single resident lead a full and active lifestyle, treating each person as if they were a member of his own family. He’s also Chairman of the local council and is using this role to drive a unique initiative to make Selby the first ‘dementia friendly’ district in the UK. This initiative was kick-started last year when Richard made arrangements for one of Barchester’s Dementia Care Specialists to provide training sessions to members of the Selby District Council.

Flood hero

Having lived in Tadcaster his whole life, he cares deeply about the local community and was even hailed a ‘flood hero’ by local people after the support he gave them during the floods that hit the area in December 2015. Nonetheless, the extra work he does within the neighbourhood certainly doesn’t take away from the time and commitment he gives to the people living at Highfield Care Home. In fact, Richard is so passionate and makes such a difference that he was nominated Barchester’s Activities Coordinator of the Year in Barchester’s 2015 care awards.