Winners of the Great West Midlands Care Awards 2010 announced (Part 2)

The Dignity in Care Award Sandra Daniels – Brighton House – Newcastle-under-Lyme – Staffordshire Impressed that dignity is being actively reflected in all the work of the applicants, we were particularly impressed with the dedicated approach of the winner, weaving dignity into elderly care.

The Dementia Carer Award Sheila Heath - DH Homecare – Crewe – West Midlands Sheila showed a real passion for caring for those with dementia, she demonstrated patience, understanding and good sense of humour. To sum this up Sheila quoted ‘my job gives me more than it gives the services users’.

The Care Team Award Darwin Domiciliary Carers – Barchester Healthcare – Hudley - Telford The judges awarded this category to a team dealing inspirationally with people who have very demanding & difficult behaviours. They are providing very personal care directed to the needs of the individual & centred on the very best of practice, working as a complete team in all aspects of their service provision.They are indeed a shining example of 'the sum of the parts is greater than the whole!

The Activity Organiser Award Jarrod Mason – The Woodlands – Studley – Warwickshire A real understanding of his residents as individuals shone through from Jarrod. He demonstrated the central role of person-centred activity in enhancing well-being and quality of life for his residents.

The Ancillary Worker Award Nicola Burton – BUPA – Bromsgrove – Worcestershire Nicola was passionate about everything she did with some great examples of catering and involving residents, respecting where they had come from, recognising the need for variety, involvement, respect and listening.

The Care Trainer Award Tracey Kirkton & Fiona Burton – Stoke on Trent City Council – Stoke-on-Trent The enthusiasm and holistic approach keeping the service user at the heart of the training ensured that all from firemen to careworkers had the skills to deliver high quality care.

The Care Innovator Award Samantha Marriott – Dignus Healthcare - Birmingham A truly inspirational person – Sam’s passion, dedication and commitment to developing this much needed service was quite awe-inspiring – a clear winner!

The Putting People First Award – Tipton – West Midlands Changing our Lives Advocacy Team Changing Lives have really embraced all of putting people first developing a strong partnership that has allowed a shift of power from the professional to the person.

The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award Glenys Robinson, Staffordshire County Council – Leek – Staffordshire

Hard working Glenys Robinson MBE is a 69 year old Social Care Assessor with a difference! What sets Glenys apart is her ability to inspire others through her dedication and enthusiasm. At an age when most people are settling into retirement, Glenys provides an outstanding service. Passionate about her work, Glenys explores every possible opportunity to deliver good quality care and support.

A hands on worker, Glenys spends hours shivering outdoors, giving data links to people and arranging deliveries to private and voluntary care agencies. Glenys cares about what she does and is passionate about raising the quality of services. If there is a problem she sorts it out; if there is a family in crisis she supports them through it. Glenys sets herself high standards to achieve the best outcomes for people taking on a huge challenge to secure funding and work with providers to secure specialised day care for someone with specific religious needs.

Glenys works in an extremely rural area and in the winter months it can be difficult to get around. During the snowy winter months she walked to work and honoured all of her appointments, visiting clients on foot. We asked Glenys for the secret of her ongoing passion for the job,

‘I love what I do and feel so proud to be part of my team; they are great people. I feel privileged knowing that what I do can help to improve people’s lives. It’s great when a family member tells me that I have given them their life back. I am honoured to be able to assist families in time of crisis.’

Glenys was awarded an MBE in 2000 for Services to the Local Community.

For more information on The Great British Care Awards please visit our web site at www.care-awards.co.uk

Lets celebrate social care and help it get the recognition it deserves