Stourbridge care home volunteer reaches national awards finals
Stourbridge care home volunteer has won a regional award and reached the national finals of the Barchester Care Awards
A volunteer at a Stourbridge care home has been named Volunteer of the Year for Barchester Healthcare's Central West Division and is now through to the national finals.
Ann Davies, from Iverley View Care Home, received the accolade at the Barchester Care Awards 2026 after being selected from hundreds of nominees.
The awards recognise staff and volunteers who go above and beyond for residents across Barchester's 271 care homes and private hospitals in the UK.
Almost 6,000 nominations were received across the country, with Ann named the Central West Division winner in the Volunteer of the Year category.
She said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed and incredibly grateful to have been chosen as the Division Volunteer of the Year.
“I feel truly honoured that someone thought enough of what I do to nominate me, and to have now received this award is very special indeed.
“Volunteering has never been about recognition for me, it’s about being there for others, making a difference and hopefully bringing a little happiness to people’s lives.”
Ann will now join other divisional winners from across the UK at a special awards event in October, where the national winners will be announced.
She said reaching the national finals would be “the icing on the cake”.
Senior general manager Alison Moseley-Shaw said the care home was proud of Ann's achievement.
“This is an amazing achievement and the whole home is supporting Ann. We are so proud,” she said.
“Ann thoroughly deserves to reach the national finals. She is an exceptional volunteer whose kindness, dedication and selfless commitment make a genuine difference to the lives of those around her.”
She added that Ann gave her time and energy without seeking recognition.
“Winning the Division Volunteer of the Year award is a wonderful recognition of everything Ann does, but we truly believe her contribution deserves to be recognised on a national stage,” she said.
Iverley View Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare and provides residential and dementia care.