Local Care Home's Art Facilitator Recognised In Queen's Honours List

Care Home Arts Facilitator praised for her dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic

Emma-Karin ‘EK’ Gerdin-Miosga, Arts Facilitator at Wingham Court Bupa Care Home has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM), in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2000, announced on the evening of Friday 9 October.

She is amongst 450 people to make the list and was selected due to her efforts to keep residents safe and well during the pandemic.

Traditionally announced to mark the Queen’s birthday in June, this year’s list was to recognise those that faced into the battle against COVID-19.

BEM recipients will be presented with their medal by their Lord-Lieutenant at a local ceremony. They will also be invited to attend a Royal Garden Party.

Emma-Karin, 27, runs the art department at Bupa Wingham Court in Claygate, Surrey. The home specialises in rehabilitation and care for adults with complex needs and neurological conditions, such as brain injuries.

Throughout the pandemic, Emma-Karin has used art to ensure that residents stayed engaged and were able to fully express themselves – something that is especially important for those who struggle to communicate verbally.

Using mediums from expressive painting and textiles, through to photography, video and music production, Emma-Karin’s work helps lift residents’ moods, while also reducing anxiety.

After plans for the home’s art exhibition were postponed, Emma-Karin set up an independent website to showcase residents’ work, whilst also helping convert pieces into professionally printed greeting cards to help keep in touch with friends and families.

In addition, she has introduced residents to film making to help them share messages that are important to them – including the importance of inclusion, and the dangers of substance abuse.

She even arranged for pop star Bradley McIntosh from S Club 7, to introduce one of the videos – showcasing the fun the home was having during lockdown – which has since had 35,000 views.

As well as focusing on colleagues, Emma-Karin organised a staff art competition to lift spirits, exhibiting their artwork alongside that of residents in an exhibition at the home.

Speaking of the Honours List, Emma-Karin said: “It’s such a lovely surprise. I’m very fortunate to do something I love, using art to make a difference to people’s lives.

“I’m pleased that this highlights the importance of art in care homes. Art makes such a difference to people’s wellbeing, especially in times of uncertainty as it can make them feel reassured and give them a voice.”

“It was hard for families not to be able to see their loved ones. But we’ve had some brilliant feedback, with people saying they felt much better after seeing how much fun we’ve been having!”

“I couldn’t do it without such an amazing team, I really am so grateful to them.”

Joan Elliott, Managing Director for Bupa Care Services, said: “This is a phenomenal achievement and I’m utterly delighted to see Emma awarded this honour.

“The pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges the social care sector has faced, and all our teams stepped up to keep people safe and well. Emma is a shining example of this. She is a credit to Bupa and to society, and we’re all so proud of her.”

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