We are incredibly proud to share that St Stephen’s Care Home has been named the winner of The Big Draw Legacy Award, recognising the lasting impact that creativity has had within the home and wider community.
The award was announced publicly by The Big Draw on 2 June 2026, with the St Stephen’s team receiving the exciting news in May. Alongside the recognition, the home has also received a prize that will go towards supporting even more creative activities and opportunities for our wonderful residents in the future.
The achievement follows a month-long programme of creative activities held during The Big Draw Festival in October, centred around the theme of identity. Our residents, families, team members and members of the local community came together through a range of artistic projects, including hand drawings, shadow portraits and collaborative artwork that encouraged conversation and connection.
For our Home Manager, Netty, and Activities Coordinators, Kate and Mary, the project was about much more than creating artwork.
As a home that supports many people living with dementia, the team wanted to use creativity as a way of bringing people together and creating meaningful opportunities for communication. The activities gave our residents and their loved ones new ways to connect, while providing talking points for family visits and encouraging conversations between people of all ages.
The team found that creative activities helped break down barriers that can sometimes make communication difficult, particularly for those living with dementia. Through art, our residents were able to express themselves, share memories, tell their stories and reconnect with those around them in ways that felt natural and enjoyable.
The project also welcomed the local community and encouraged them to participate, with all members of the local community, from medical professionals to entertainers joining in with the fun.
Reflecting on the award, the St Stephen’s team spoke about the positive impact creative activities continue to have on residents’ wellbeing and sense of identity. Their experience reinforces something that care professionals see every day: creativity is not simply an activity, but a powerful tool for connection, confidence and self-expression.
To hear directly from Netty, Kate and Mary about what winning The Big Draw Legacy Award means to them, watch their response video below.
Everyone at Gold Care Homes would like to congratulate the team at St Stephen’s, with a special recognition for Netty, Kate, Mary, the wonderful residents, families, volunteers and wider community who helped make the project such a success. This award is a testament to the passion, dedication and creativity that make St Stephen’s such a special place to live and work.
We look forward to seeing how the award funding helps the team continue to develop innovative activities and create even more meaningful moments for residents in the months ahead.
