Care home worker's song named as Radio 1's top 5 pick

Care home worker Sam Hurst has been named a finalist in BBC Radio 1’s ‘Live Lounge Introducing’ contest for his original song ‘Lost Love’, which has been picked from 10,000 entries to be one of top five songs from undiscovered bands.

The 23-year-old works at Newstone House care home in Dorset and also performs in the band BLVCK VIØLET, which has led to him and fellow bandmate Harrison Walker getting their song played on Radio 1’s breakfast show.

Care home resident Rita Clay is one of Mr Hurst’s biggest fans, after hearing him play song covers for residents. She and other residents were delighted to tune into Radio 1 to hear his song.

Resident Rita Clay said: “I thought it was very good and it was very impressive to hear Sam’s original work as he usually plays cover versions to us residents.

"It’s a massive achievement to be played on BBC Radio 1, especially during the day and I am now very much looking forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”

Sam Hurst said: “Hearing it played on the radio was unreal, immense. And we have since had lots of calls and messages about it from people all over, including the staff and residents here at Newstone House. It’s been incredible.”

BLVCK VIØLET are currently through to the semi-finals of the Isle of Wight New Blood competition. If Mr Hurst and bandmate Harrison Walker win, they will perform at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival.

The musician is one of 18 new recruits to care home group Colten Care’s companionship team, which focused on giving residents more support during lockdown.

Mr Hurst said: “I try to sing and play my guitar as much as I can at the home. Music is a big part of our residents’ lives and I alternate with sessions on our dementia floor one week, and another session on our residential floor the next.” During lockdown, Mr Hurst also wrote and recorded a music video with some residents called ‘Hands, Face and Space’ to demonstrate how to adhere to the Covid restrictions. Linda Porter, who appeared in the video, said: “We really enjoyed taking part, singing along to the song and doing all the hand movements. It was great to be involved.”

Colten Care operates 21 care homes providing residential, nursing and dementia care across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex. Newstone House is among seven Colten Care homes rated Outstanding by care regulator the Care Quality Commission.

Fiona Pritchard, Colten Care’s music and arts partner, said: "We are thrilled to have a such a charismatic and talented musician in our team. It is so important for residents to be able to access music and arts and having a professional performing regularly for them is wonderful.”

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