Peter Frost, Maples’ very own Activities
Organiser, has been shortlisted for the Dementia Carer Award at this year’s
Great British Care Awards.

Peter now faces a tough interview with
the judging panel in early October with the final results announced at a gala
dinner in November.

Having started at the home in February
2019, Peter is already a well-known and valued member of the activities team.
His 41 years’ experience within several London teaching hospitals – as a
researcher/teacher of biochemistry and then within the building management team
– proved a great training ground for his work at Maples!

Peter is well-known for his
positivity, energy and instinctive ability to engage with residents, tailoring
activities to suit their needs. His collection of vintage memorabilia is
legendary, as are his various costumes! Peter is also a firm believer in the
power of music to reach people with dementia and includes music in most
activities – even balloon tennis.

“I really love working with the
residents and the activities team here at Maples,” he explains. “Being
shortlisted for the award came totally out of the blue – a lovely surprise –
but the whole team deserves it, not just me.”

Manager Nicola Philips says: “Peter’s manner and way of engaging with the residents is so effortless, natural and authentic. He’s one in a million – and they really love him!”

Peter is also popular outside Maples. “Whenever
we have met Peter he has always shown himself to be a really effervescent
character, who’s enthusiasm to support the residents with activities/social
engagement shines through,” says Judith Angell, Interim Senior Quality
Assurance Officer for the London Borough of Bexley.

“He is a unique character, what you
see is what you get, it comes across that this is just Peter…….he is a one-off
in care homes locally.”

In his spare time, Peter loves walking
and photography and is also involved with Living History, an organisation that
brings history to life via enactments and interactive events. He and wife Chris
have a son, Matt, and a daughter, Jo.

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