Mel joined the RCH Family in August of 2023. As a qualified nurse, Mel has worked in Health and Social Care for almost 16 years.
As the General Manager of the Nursing and Residential Dementia care home, she strives to inspire and support those she is working with and is passionate about mentoring and training, which Mel says, ‘reinforces the team’s skills and ensures we are able to deliver the best possible person and relationship centred care.’
Since joining the home Mel has spearheaded various developments within the home including new Dementia Awareness Training and improvements to the home’s two dementia communities which now boast Montessori-themed engagement areas throughout which appeal to residents’ individual strengths, to encourage creativity, independence and individuality.
Through sharing her Marathon journey, Mel hopes to continue to foster the person-centred and family-orientated atmosphere at the heart of the home and beyond, by also supporting local charities and dementia groups.
Residents, staff, families and loved ones at the Nursing and Residential Dementia home are following Mel’s Marathon training journey with a blog in the home’s newsletter, there are also a number of fund-raising events being held at the home before the big day on Sunday 21st April.
Mel has been a member of a local running club known as South Kent Harriers for some years and completed several Marathons, including ones in Cyprus, Lanzarote and Malta, as well as Marathons in England.
Securing a charity place running for Children with Cancer UK Charity a cause close to her heart, Mel revealed the journey will be a whole family affair, ‘I will be running alongside my husband, son and daughter, as well as several other members of my family, we’ll get through it together.’
On the day residents and the team are planning on holding a party to follow Mel’s run not only by watching the live Television coverage but also via the app using their Digital Rainbow Tablet, a large interactive screen which can be mobilised around so everyone can get involved and feel part of Mel’s Marathon.
If you’d like to find out more about Mel’s fund raising or the events planned at the home give Mel a call on 01233 326966.
