Pete Horrocks has worked as a Handy Person in Wiltshire care homes, run by OSJCT for the past 17 years. He is currently one of two Handy People at Avonbourne Care Centre in Old Sarum, one of the Trust’s newest care homes.

The role of Handy Person is a varied job, and that’s how Pete likes it. He organises the smooth running of many aspects of Bourne House, one of the care centre’s facilities, and supports with plumbing skills, basic electrics, moving furniture, painting, and decorating around the home when needed.

Pete, who lives in Amesbury, said: “Every day is different, from checking equipment, fixing leaks, decorating rooms, everything I do is to help people. It’s good working in care. We have a nice team here. For people with the right attitude, and happy to work hard as it’s very busy at times, it’s a great job.

“Working at Avonbourne is very rewarding, especially when I do something to make our residents happy and see them smile. Visiting the home on Christmas Day as Santa is now a regular event for me, the team love it and it creates a bit of magic for the residents.”

Pete joined the Trust in 2006 as a Handy Person at Stratford Court on the edge of Salisbury. The care home closed when Avonbourne opened, and Pete was part of the team who transferred to the new care home. He said: “It was exciting to move to this brand new care home, and the modern facilities here are much better for our residents. They all have en-suite bathrooms, tailor-made lounges and spaces for entertainment. We can support residents with dementia, nursing needs and those relatively able and active who just want a comfortable and safe place to live.”

Before moving into the care sector, Pete worked for a car factory making air filter parts. Always innovative, Pete made some efficiency suggestions that saved time and energy in the part making process, but ultimately became unsatisfied with the company and looked around for a new role.

Pete is supported by OSJCT’s property and maintenance team who provide central support to all the Trust’s care homes, including all 18 in Wiltshire. Pete takes a lot of pride in the smooth running of facilities at Bourne House, and he will often respond to calls from the home on his day off.

Team members and residents at the Trust notice Pete’s contribution. He received an OSJCT employee award in 2009 and was a finalist in 2021.