On Friday 4th November 2011 The Passenger Shed, Brunel’s Old Station, Bristol provided a spectacular backdrop for the finals of this the second Great South West Care Awards, where the nineteen category winners were announced.

The Great South West Care Awards, who’s principal sponsor is h.e.t. software are supported by the Department of Health.  The awards 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), the National Skills Academy for Social Care, 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 the region and successful candidates 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 Keith Chegwin, entertainment from all girl group electric string quartet Asteria and 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 May and June 2012 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 second 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 Care Awards, together with the judges comments are detailed below:

 

The Care Employer Award

 

Annie Sinnott

The Old Vicarage Care Homes, Sherborne, Dorset

Annie’s passion and belief in person centred care and her focus on employees shone through at the interview. She said to us ‘we always strive for excellence however excellence means one thing to one person and another to someone else. As long as my staff, the residents and our local community feedback to me that we are excellent that is my benchmark.

 

The Care Home Worker Award

 

Sue Ford

The Old Vicarage Care Home, Sherbourne, Dorset

Sue showed passion and commitment to the needs of the residents and a special understanding of their needs towards the end of life. No resident feels alone in her care.

 

The Home Care Worker Award

 

June Wood

Allied Healthcare Group, Exeter, Devon

June amazed the Judges – her variety and longevity of service in care, commitment to continued learning and her passion for ensuring that clients receive the best service possible wowed us!

 

The Care Newcomer Award

 

Kelly Chilcott

The Somerset Care Group, Minehead

Kelly demonstrates a mature and innovative approach to care. Passionate about learning and progressing to develop her career and improve the lives of her service users. Kelly literally goes the extra mile walking to all her service users – Inspiring!

 

The Care Home Registered Manager Award

 

Lynette Barrett

National Star College, Ullenwood, Cheltenham

Working with students with disabilities, Lynette sets high standards for her staff. The judges felt she was patient about seeing real outcomes for the students which affect the rest of their lives.

 

The Home Care Registered Manager Award

 

Pam Dunn

Carewatch, Bath

Pam is a very accomplished and confident manager who uses many local networks to achieve her goals. The judges were impressed with her logic and understanding of her role and value she adds to carers and supervisors.

 

The Dignity in Care Award

 

Deborah Cradick

National Star College, Ullenwood, Cheltenham

Dignity and respect are absolutely essential to Deborah’s ethos of care. Deborah would be a superb dignity champion.

 

The Dementia Carer Award

 

Kerry Ann Lees

Do Care Ltd, Stroud, Gloucestershire

Kerry Ann showed passion for dementia care both through her theoretical knowledge and her ability to implement changes on a practical level to improve client’s lives. A great ambassador for dementia care services.

 

The Care Team Award

 

Gloucestershire House Staff Team

Leonard Cheshire Disability, Cheltenham

The team is well motivated and has a great team spirit which is evident across all levels. They take a holistic approach in delivering care and recognise the importance of having staff, service users and volunteers operating as one team.

 

The Care Home Activity Organiser Award

 

David Hippey

Orders of St John Care Trust, Salisbury, Wiltshire

David is a caring and unassuming individual. He is committed to the people he cares for by providing an activities programme of their choice.

 

The Home Care Coordinator Award

 

Kathy Fitch

Surecare (Dorset), Ferndown, Dorset

Kathy enjoys working in a relatively small company, where she is able to undertake various different roles. There is a wonderful team spirit and supportive environment.

 

The Ancillary Worker Award

 

Colin Gale

Sunshine Care Ltd, Hooe, Plymouth

It is clear he is passionate, motivated and committed towards improving the resident’s quality of life. He enjoys his job takes pride as was demonstrated by winning Plymouth in Bloom Gold Award

 

The Putting People First Award

 

Russell Summersgill

Somerset Care Group, Minehead

Russell has a clear passion and a natural commitment about supporting palliative care in a manner that is personalised. Russell’s personality shone and is clearly a benefit for anyone he supports and team colleagues.

 

The Care Trainer Award

 

Nicola Whitworth

The Somerset Care Group, Minehead

Nicola is a true professional who brings training in care to life. She is very enthusiastic and it is clear that she thoroughly enjoys her job.

 

The Care Innovator Award

 

Chris Harding

Daily Sparkle, Ashburton, Devon

The Daily Sparkle is a truly innovative idea that is having a positive impact on the lives of people with Dementia. Chris’s passion for the project shone through.

 

The Frontline Leaders Award

 

Malcolm Wilson

Wiltshire Council, Trowbridge, Wiltshire

Malcolm has a large varied area of responsibility in learning disabilities. He has an informal and approachable manner, clearly values his team and undertakes his leadership role with modesty and enthusiasm.

 

The Good Commissioner Award

 

Di McLaughlin and Team

Borough of Poole, Poole

Di and her team clearly evidenced that they commission in partnership with providers and clients, to ensure that services are in safe hands for the members, staff and the population of the Borough.

 

The Carer’s Award

 

Edward Grace

Edward’s support in caring for his wife Grace is outstanding.  He cares for her 24 hours a day with little support and input from the government.  Grace as an extremely difficult and ongoing condition and yet instead of ever wavering in his love and dedication they got married this year.   Edward’s commitment to Grace is inspirational.

 

The Outstanding Contribution Award

 

June Wood

Allied Healthcare Group, Exeter, Devon

June who worked in both health and social care now for 48yrs! She started her career as an Auxiliary Nurse and has had many other roles during the 48yrs, the majority of them supporting some of our most vulnerable members of society.

June is at an age when most people have either retired, are looking to slow down a bit or actually need services themselves! She however continues to work more hours than staff half her age, showing a quiet passion and commitment to always give her best.

June completed her NVQ at the age of 69 and continues to see own training and development as vital, to ensure that she is always up to date with her practice.  Along side her paid employment June also does some voluntary work in her community, is an avid knitter & gardener and also has 5 Grandchildren and 2 Great-Grandchildren whom she spends time with, as well as her immediate family.

June is an inspiration to us all and long may she continue doing what she loves, supporting vulnerable people to remain in their own homes.