A mental health care worker is celebrating after she won a London-wide award.

Margaret McGrath, 62, is the activity and recovery coordinator at Waterside Lodge, Outlook Care’s mental health recovery centre in Langthorne Road, Leytonstone.

She won the London activity worker award in the Great British Care Awards Gala Dinner on January 30 at Hilton London Bankside Hotel in central London.

The ceremony heard how Margaret works consistently above and beyond the scope of her role at Waterside Lodge, displaying a high level of compassion and empathy with those living at the home.

She was the driving force behind converting an old smoking room to a sensory chill-out area.

There are now fairy lights on the walls, comfy cushions on sofas, the scent of aromatherapy oils in the air and music.

Margaret said: “I was over the moon to receive the award, but just to be nominated was a privilege.

“I am grateful to Outlook Care for giving me the opportunity to work as an activity and recovery coordinator at Waterside Lodge.

“For those who don’t know Waterside Lodge it is an amazing place with wonderful residents, they make every day worthwhile, you never know what the day will bring,

“I wouldn’t change my job for anything.

“My colleagues are pretty special too, without their support I couldn’t do my job, so thank you for nominating me, and winning was just amazing.”

Waltham Forest council’s Labour cabinet member for adult services councillor Angie Bean said she was delighted with Margaret’s award.

She said: “Waterside Lodge has helped lots of people recover from, and deal with, mental health issues and move on to more independent living thanks to the hard work of people like Margaret – so it’s wonderful to see her efforts recognised in this way.”