Care Newcomer Award presented to Ravenhurst care assistant

A Worcestershire care home worker, working for Ravenhurst Care Home in Stourport-on Severn, has been named as a national champion at the Great British Care Home Awards 2012.

Picking up the prestigious Care Newcomer Award at a ceremony held at Grosvenor House on the 12th May, care assistant Jacqui Preen spoke of her emotions upon hearing she had won the award:

“It was surreal and was an absolutely amazing night. When they said I was the winner I just sat there and it didn’t register – I just couldn’t believe it. I really didn’t think I had a chance of winning I was shocked. I can’t explain how I feel it still hasn’t sunk in yet.”

A further surprise awaited when Jacqui returned to Ravenhurst, where fellow carers had hung a huge banner to express their congratulations.

Two years ago Jacqui was working as a hairdresser, but was inspired to take up a career in the care sector by the same home she now works for, having visited her late grandmother when she was a resident.

““I had wanted to go into care for a long, long time but wasn’t able to because of commitments with my children. I loved the home and decided I wanted to be part of it. I got the job and am part of a wonderful team here and love every minute of it.

“I love the residents; they give me so much more than I think I ever give them and they just make everything worthwhile. They are like my second family. I just get so much satisfaction from my work – being able to make somebody smile and make their day is so rewarding for me.”

Ravenhurst’s manager Anastasia Meredith spoke of Jacqui’s contribution to the service: “There are some people who just have a natural desire to care and understand the importance of putting your residents at the heart of everything you do. Jacqui is one of those people, consistently going that extra mile for our residents.

“To give an example of Jacqui’s dedication to her role, she will often come to work on her days off to help to take our residents on trips. Her dedication to her role is truly inspirational and we are all so proud to have her as part of our team.”

Ravenhurst Care Home is a Sanctuary Care accommodation and is registered to care for up to forty-eight older people, including for people diagnosed with a form of dementia.

Karen Clayton from the company FIND who presented the award, Jacqui Preen and Ben Shepard.