The Royal Star & Garter Homes’ Raquel Pena Aristizabal is a finalist in The National Care Awards.

The Activities & Volunteers Manager at the Charity’s Surbiton Home is shortlisted in the Care Activities Coordinator / Facilitator category.

Raquel has been with the Charity, which cares for disabled veterans and their partners, for over five years. She said: “It is an honour to be nominated for this award, but really it is a reflection of the wonderful team we have at The Royal Star & Garter Homes, and the work the Charity does for military veterans living with disability or dementia.”

Pauline Shaw, the Charity’s Director of Care & Service Development, praised Raquel’s warmth and energy. She said: “Everyone who has been nominated for these awards deserves congratulations, but I’m so pleased to see the amazing work Raquel does on a daily basis has been recognised.

“Her passion, enthusiasm, and boundless energy is contagious and brings out the best in the people she works with and the residents living in our Home. Her nomination is well deserved.”

The Care Activities Coordinator / Facilitator category recognises people who make an exceptional contribution to the quality of life, health and happiness of all people they support through the activities they provide.

The Surbiton Home now offers over 50 events and activities each week.

Raquel organises visits from local military organisations and schools, crafts, films, musical events, group exercises and therapies, quizzes, cookery and tastings, and seasonal celebrations.

The Spanish-speaker has even started Spanish lessons at the home.

The National Care Awards is an annual event organised by Caring Times magazine, a management magazine for the social care sector.

The winners will be announced on 30 November.