With nearly three decades’ experience of care work, the newly arrived deputy manager at Bridgwater’s Avalon Nursing Home, Sonny Valmiki, views working in the sector as a vocation which fits his personality well. 

“I see if I can dance when I hear music, and I try and join activities to see our residents smile and laugh,” said Sonny.  

“A smile on my resident’s face means a lot to me. Seeing them happy makes me happy. 

“Career progression is important, but so is job satisfaction and I anticipate finding both of these in my new position.” 

Sonny started his career in 1994 in adult general nursing, spending 23 years with the NHS then moving to the care sector. Before joining Camelot Care, Sonny was working as the clinical lead for Harbour Healthcare (previously Majesticare) in Chard. In his new post, he says he particularly enjoys managing residents' care plans.

Avalon’s manager, Tamsin Forde, said: “We are so pleased to have Sonny on our team. The residents love him and he’s a great team player. 

“He is a very experienced professional with a good understanding of the challenges of dementia care, which is our specialism, and he has a lovely warm approach to engaging with our residents. He’s a natural!” 

Outside work Sonny Valmiki supports charity fundraising for causes such as WaterAid, Sight First, Rural Schools in India and school events local to Taunton where he lives, raising money through arranging activities such as international cuisine nights and raffles. 

He is married with three daughters, all currently in higher education, and likes to relax with cooking, gardening, walking and holidaying abroad, including visits to his family in India. He also enjoys playing cricket for Hatch Beauchamp in the summer season and is a familiar participant in the highly competitive weekly local league games.  

Avalon Nursing Home is a purpose-built home situated in the heart of Bridgwater which provides care for up to 55 residents living with dementia. It is run by award-winning dementia care provider, Camelot Care, who have other homes in Bridgwater and Wellington in Somerset, and Plymouth in Devon www.camelotcare.co.uk