A care worker at a Waltham Abbey care home has won a national award for an original rap song, which was inspired by the residents he cares for.
Care assistant, Reward Mangbon, 34, who has worked at Ashbrook Court Care Home for three years, won the Developmental Award at this year’s Care Sector’s Got Talent. The lyrics of his rap song celebrate the residents, his colleagues and the close-knit team at the home.
The 70-bedroom care home, on Sewardstone Road, provides nursing, residential and specialist dementia.
It was Reward’s first time entering the competition and he travelled to Birmingham to represent the residents and the team at Ashbrook Court.
“I had no idea I was going to win something,” said Reward. “I dedicate my award to all the residents at Ashbrook.
“Every resident asked me about the ceremony and wished me good luck before the event. They love the song and when we recorded a music video to it, some of the residents even joined in because they wanted to be part of it.”
Resident Frank Ubah, who moved into Ashbrook Court just over a year ago said: “Reward is so special. He makes sure that everyone feels good and we are so proud of him. We congratulate him in all his glory.”
Resident Bill Etherton-Scott, who joined the home earlier this year, agreed. “It is wonderful news,” he said. “Reward is always smiling and can’t do enough to help; he really deserves it.”
Reward has a degree in Mechanical Engineering but developed a passion for care after looking after his grandad before he passed away from cancer.
“I love caring for the residents and providing for them,” he said. “They make me think of my grandad. He was my best friend and I was his comfort, and I’m so proud to be a carer.”
Music has always been a huge part of Reward’s life and he regularly plays and performs for residents at the home.
“I like to play for them on the big piano in the home’s lounge,” he said. “When I freestyle, I call their names out and they love that. They love it when I mention them and make them part of the song.
“I wrote a Christmas song for our residents last year and I’m sure I will again this year.”
Reward said he was touched by the support he received from his colleagues and the residents throughout the competition.
“My heart is filled with joy following the final. I felt very loved because the team and management came along to support me, and it really meant a lot. They’ve all been so supportive throughout the whole process. It was great to see the audience enjoying my music too.”
The Care Sector’s Got Talent Grand Final took place at Care Show Birmingham at Birmingham’s NEC on Wednesday 7 October. Reward was one of eight finalists who performed live on stage in front of around 500 care and healthcare professionals before the winners were announced.
The national competition was organised by Championing Social Care and received its largest volume of applications in six years. The finalists reflected the breadth of people connected to social care, from people living in supported accommodation and attending specialist services to those providing care and support every day.
Tracy Ziaraba, Programme Coordinator, Championing Social Care said:
“Championing Social Care works to shine a light on the value of social care and the incredible people who work in the sector. Through Care Sector’s Got Talent, we celebrate their talents and give them a platform to shine.
“It was particularly exciting to welcome Reward as our first rapper, showcasing the diversity of talent within social care. We’re delighted to celebrate his achievement in winning the Development Prize.”
Ashbrook Court’s lifestyle coordinator, Lorna Morey was among the team members who travelled to Birmingham to support Reward at the Grand Final.
“It was so exciting to attend the final with Reward. He’s so talented and does so much for our residents, so it was an absolute pleasure to see him win an award,” she said.
“He has put so much into his music and songs, especially highlighting how beautiful it is to be in the care sector. He was sensational and captured the whole room with an unbelievable performance. Everyone was up dancing, including the judges and they all had so much praise for him.”
The final was broadcast on the Care Sector’s Got Talent YouTube channel two days after the event, giving the residents and team members who were unable to attend the opportunity to watch Reward’s performance and celebrate his success with their own mini ceremony in the home.
The home, which is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is hoping for another award win on 2 December. They are currently Finalists at the Essex Care Sector
Awards: The Prospers 2026 for the Dementia Care award. Their finalist status reflects their long serving team members and the experienced clinical team, including clinical deputy, Valentina Babych and clinical lead, Tracy Bobin, provide specialist nursing care for
adults living with a wide range of chronic conditions, including those living
with complex needs.
Home manager, Vicky Parsons, said: “We’re so proud of Reward, his talent, his creativity and, most of all, his passion for caring for our residents. His award is so well deserved and such a fantastic achievement.”
