On Friday 16th November, the Passenger Shed, Bristol provided a spectacular backdrop for the finals of the Great South West Care Awards, where the nineteen category winners were announced.
The Great South WestCare Awards, supported by the Department of Health, are part of the Great British Care Awards, a series of regional awards which celebrates excellence in social care and pay tribute to those who work in the sector throughout England. The awards are all inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers; promoting joint working.
The Great South West Care Awards have received nominations and support from all corners of the sector. Sector support includes the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), Skills for Care, Ceretas and the English Community Care Association. Local Authority support and commercial organisations are also supporting the awards. Care Talk magazine is the media partner.
There were a total of nineteen award categories available for nomination, which represent all areas of the care sector,whether it be older people or specialist services and from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training, specialist care in areas such as dementia and innovation.
Nominations came in from all corners of the sector and region and successful candidates were invited for interview for infront of a panel of sector experts. Thegala award evening started in style with a champagne reception, followed by a superb gourmet dinner and the awards presentation with comedian Dom Joly and then dancing into the night.
Winners from the awards will be invited to attend the national finals for either the home care or care home sector which will take place in April and June 2013 at a prestigious venue in London.
The awards support a chosen charity; The Care Professionals Benevolent Fund is the registered charity for the Care Sector and are here to support current, former and retired care professionals, by providing assistance to relieve financial hardship or sickness.
Lisa Carr, Director of the Great British Care Awards said,
“We are delighted to be staging the Great South West Care Awards for the third time. The care awards are going from strength to strength with this year’s regional events. The support from sector partners has been overwhelming and the quality and sheer nominations has been astounding.
These awards recognise and pay tribute to the efforts and dedication of all those who work tirelessly to ensure that so many people are able to live independent lives in their own home. They are the perfect showcase to reflect on best practice in the social care sector. A sector where people truly dedicate themselves to their work and take pride in their achievements.
The people of the South West are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated people caring for the vulnerable and elderly members of their communities. Congratulations to everyone this evening – everyone here is a winner!”
The winners of the Great South West Awards, together with the judge’s comments are detailed below:
The Care Employer Award
Camilla Trimble – Nazareth Lodge
Newton, Dorset
Camilla was very passionate about ensuring quality of the home is maintained and developing staff and residents through new and innovative ideas. A great achievement to win the Gold Standard and continued mentoring role internally and externally.
The Care Home Worker Award
Alison Scott – Anchor Trust
Farringdon, Oxon
In the judges view Alison is a care worker whose aim is to provide outstanding, sensitive, individual care that residents have chosen. One of her residents wrote ‘They broke the mould when they made Alison’!
The Home Care Worker Award
Natasha Jones – Dimensions
Bath
Natasha threw herself into a challenging project with enthusiasm, leadership and compassion which has been a great success not only for her company but also for the service users and their families. The panel were impressed with her ideas for the future and found her a very worthy winner.
The Care Newcomer Award
Nikki Price – SeeAbility
Filton, Bristol
Despite limited experience Nikki articulated exceptional compassion to her role which improved quality of life. She demonstrated she can use her initiative and is committed to person-centred approaches.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Deanna Lane – Barchester Healthcare
Gloucester
Deanna clearly understands her management role and the impact is has on her residents, staff and wider community. She understands good leadership and says her role is to educate, train and promote appropriate practice. Well done Deanna!
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Denise Coates – Nurse Plus UK Ltd
Old Sarum,Salisbury
A true ambassador for her organisation, this lady is extremely positive, passionate and clearly has vision. A craft group as a way of supporting her staff is an innovative idea that will remain professional and respect the appropriate boundaries.
The Nutrition & Hydration Award
Jon Clinton – Berkley Healthcare
Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire
What an inspirational chef! Jon’s commitment, passion and knowledge for locally sourced, healthy and diverse food for his clients would match any top chef! If Michelin stars were awarded to the care sector Jon would definitely be in the running.
The Dignity in Care Award
Annie Mowling – Care 1st Homecare
Bristol
Annie’s various experience and knowledge over many years allows her to understand and signpost client issues to the relevant professionals. She is clear that the initial planning process with each individual is key to achieving continual dignity and respect throughout their care experience. Annies clear commitment to dignity in care made the judges decision an easy one.
The Dementia Carer Award
Beth Tovey – South Gloucestershire Council
Passionate about supporting people with dementia and their families. Beth is proactive about raising dementia awareness and the significance of joined up working and early diagnosis. An inspirational care professional!
The Care Team Award
Holly Tree Cottage – Homes Caring for Autism
Somerset
Holly Tree Cottage are a prime example of how flexibility, commitment and dedication can achieve mutually beneficial outcomes whilst ensuring customer choice is the main focus – Well done Holly Tree!
The Care Home Activity Organiser Award
Jane Bailey – Leonard Cheshire Disability
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
From the moment Jane entered the room she displayed a passion and enthusiasm that was both engaging and inspiring. Her obvious love for her role and her clients was palpable and drew the entire judging panel into her world.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Daniel Turner – The Old Vicarage Care Home
Sherborne, Dorset
It was a pleasure to meet Daniel! His enthusiasm and pride was inspirational but more importantly he was focussed on helping the residents participate in general tasks as well as ensuring any special personal requirements were accommodated. Congratulations Daniel!
The Care Trainer Award
Rebecca Flood – CareAbility Training
Poole, Dorset
Rebecca stands out as an empathetic care trainer who is confident and knowledgeable in her role which utilises real life situations and user involvement.
The Care Innovator Award
Fiona Mahoney – Reminiscence Learning
Taunton, Somerset
The Judges were impressed by Fiona’s energy and commitment to using the innovative range of working tools for community and professionals to reduce the fear and stigma surrounding dementia.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Jacqui Church – Regard
Dorset
Jacqui is a high energy leader who can see opportunities to develop people and services and takes them with vigour. She includes her service users at every opportunity – ‘they are the beginning, middle and end of everything we do’ and nothing less will do.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Laura Hosking – Nurse Plus UK Ltd
Salisbury
Laura is a worthy winner! She showed real passion for the service. Her priority is to maintain the high level quality service. Very much focussed on the service for Laura it is very much quality rather than quantity
The Putting People First Award
Jane Bell, Joanna Reynolds & Helen Duff – Shared Lives
Devon
Shared Lives have turned the philosophy of care on it’s head. A simple yet innovative concept that enables ‘normal’ people to support vulnerable adults to live in the community. An inspirational team!
The Unpaid Carers Award
Brenda Prentice
When things don’t go well with your care or the care of a loved one, it’s important to know about your legal rights, but finding expert help can be difficult. Brenda has worked tirelessly to set up a charity in Somerset to help families understand about the law and help them seek legal remedy.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Alyson Martin- Somerset Care
Taunton, Somerset
Alyson Martin has worked in the care sector for almost 40 years, starting out as a care assistant at the age of 16. Throughout her career she has undertaken a variety of roles including care home Manager and Director of Care Services, culminating in her appointment as Chief Executive of Somerset Care in January this year.
Alyson’s outstanding depth of knowledge and experience has allowed her to have a significant impact on the social care sector. This has been achieved not only through her role within Somerset Care but also as a leading figure within the wider social care arena.
As the Chair of the Somerset Registered Care Providers Alliance she has influenced commissioners and regulators with her dedicated approach to quality and excellence. A member of the Institute of Directors, Alyson is an exceptional individual with a remarkable ability to inspire people to embrace new and innovative concepts.
In recognition of Alyson’s passionate commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people she was awarded an MBE for her services to social care in the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours.