The Annual Care and Support West Care Awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of Care Professionals in the South West. The awards represent care across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset; with some 500 Care Providers existing in these regions. With around 19,000 people working within these organisations, it is important we take time each year to acknowledge the positive impact our local sector has on the lives of the most vulnerable in society.
We are incredibly proud of the Freeways staff who were shortlisted in 4 awards this year. Please find details of how they did and the reasons they were nominated:
Team of the year Winners! Freeways Community Services:
The entry evidenced consistently strong levels of community support helping individuals live independant and happy lives free from isolation. The teams ethos shone through despite the challenge of spread geography. The skills and passion to take on individuals where care had broken down in other settings was particularly impressive.
Front Line Care Ancillary Worker Finalist Claire Merrick:
Claire is valued for her ability to work calmly under pressure and her sense of humour and fun. She has broken down preconceptions of those who use the service by successfully undertaking a job usually undertaken by men. She combines this full time role with being a mum and completing a carpentry qualification and recently undertook a 'Brave the Shave' for MacMillian cancer support raising £750. Louise who she supports says 'Claire is a great laugh..... and is really funny! Claire is also really good at fixing things!'
Front Line Care Worker Finalist Olu Adeosun:
Olu is truly remarkable care support worker and has shown resilience and unshakable professionalism over the past 7 years. This has made hr so valuable to Freeways but, moreover, to the people she comes into contact with. Her contribution in the last year alone, enhancing the quality of care provided to individuals, was nothing short of extraordinary- stepping up above and beyond expectations. When challenges dictated change, Olu has used her experience and drive to support Freeways to provide the best possible care for individuals. She manages all this excellence and dedication and yet additionally maintains an infectious smile, laugh and sense of humour throughout.
Care Home Manager Finalist Paulette Calaz Clevedon House:
At the heart of Paulette's nomination was for her commitement to residents, their relatives and colleagues at Clevedon House and it is clear that staff are empowered by Paulette's vision and objectives. There is a strong sense of learning culture that emerges in this nomination and the opportunities for coaching, mentoring, reflective practise and effective coaching with a strong emphasis on promoting health equity for people with a learning disability. Paulettes's compassion and approachableness is evident in this nomination and the impact that this has in creating a positive culture for all at Clevedon House.
