'I can't believe I have won': Northampton care home resident celebrates national award
“I had the best day celebrating and I can’t believe I have won, everyone at Brampton View is so kind and it is like one big family, I feel lucky to live at Brampton View Care Home.” – Janet Maleham
A Northampton care home resident has beaten competition from across the country to win a national award recognising her contribution to life at the home.
Janet Maleham, who lives at Brampton View Care Home, has been named National Resident Ambassador at the Barchester Care Awards 2026.
Her success was announced during a national ceremony in Leeds on October 29, with staff and fellow residents at the Northampton home celebrating her achievement.
The annual awards recognise people making a difference across Barchester Healthcare's 272 care homes and private hospitals, which support around 14,000 residents nationwide.
Almost 6,000 nominations were submitted across the awards, which include categories such as Carer of the Year, Dementia Care Champion and Activities Coordinator of the Year.
Janet said: “I had the best day celebrating and I can’t believe I have won, everyone at Brampton View is so kind and it is like one big family, I feel lucky to live at Brampton View Care Home.”
Staff at Brampton View said Janet plays an important part in the home's community, helping ensure other residents feel included and listened to.
General manager Elina House said: “This is an amazing achievement and the whole home is so proud of Janet. She contributes so much to Brampton View and always makes sure everyone is heard and happy.”
She added: “I feel lucky to have Janet living at Brampton View, she makes every day special.”
The awards ceremony also celebrated staff working across Barchester's homes and hospitals, recognising their commitment to residents and patients.
Barchester Healthcare executive chair Dr Pete Calveley described the awards as his favourite day of the year, praising the dedication of the organisation's teams.
For Janet, however, the occasion was also an opportunity to celebrate the friendships and support she enjoys at Brampton View.
Her national title has given the Northampton home another reason to celebrate its community.