On International Women’s Day 2020, Nirmala Singhvi, manager of Victoria House day centre for the elderly in Watford, received the Community Impact Award.
The award was presented by local organisation, One Vision Project, set up to create better everyday life for the people of Watford, and particularly supports the vulnerable, promote equality and address injustice.
Nirmala, known by all as Nimo, believes that she was nominated “as the local community thinks we are a really good day centre, in the heart of the community, making a difference to the lives of others,” she said.
Nimo has managed Victoria House, a busy day centre in Greenbank Road, Watford, for over 13 years. The centre exists for the older generation, including those living with dementia, to enjoy. Members can visit 7 days per week and take part in organised, meaningful activities and feel a sense of belonging in the kind, safe and supportive environment provided.
Runwood Homes’ Regional Operations Director commented, “The whole community recognises Nimo’s unwavering passion and dedication to enhancing the care and wellbeing of others at Victoria House and celebrates her well-deserved 
achievement. Nirmala has been an integral part of the management team at Runwood Homes for so many years and is a true asset to the organisation.”
The successful Runwood Homes day centre includes church services, singing, celebration of Holy Days, arts and crafts, gentle exercise, gardening, ball games, hand massage and manicures, cookery, coffee mornings, discussion groups, board games, poetry reading, library, themed events, meals and excursions as well as a regular walking group.
The manager, Siddharth Vaghela, of neighbouring care home Greenbanks said, “The team at Greenbanks would like to congratulate Nimo for her fantastic achievement. We are so proud and privileged to have ‘amazing Nimo’ as a part of our team next door at Victoria House.”
Nimo is not new to receiving accolades for her work. In 2006, she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Runwood Homes and, in 2007, was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Clients of Victoria House can enjoy the large dining room, sensory room, TV room and an activities room as well as a large secure garden, surrounded by woods with a park nearby. For more information please call 01923 255369 or visit Victoria House in Greenbank Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 4JR.
