Colleagues celebrate success at 2022 Somerset Care Awards
Every year, colleagues across the organisation get together to celebrate the very best of Somerset Care – teams and individuals who have achieved extraordinary things to support those in our care to live the life they choose.
This year is no exception, and on 1st February care givers and support teams from all areas of the business logged on to be a part of our virtual 2022 Somerset Care Awards. Celebrating achievements and successes from throughout 2022, the awards ceremony was held online to enable as many colleagues, residents and customers as possible to join in and applaud their winners and nominees.
The Somerset Care Awards consist of 12 awards nominated by colleagues, and the People’s Choice as voted for by our residents and customers. Many of the award categories have been generously sponsored by suppliers and partners of Somerset Care.
And the winners are
Congratulations to our winners and runners up, all of whom have demonstrated outstanding passion and dedication to supporting colleagues and customers to live the life they choose.
Connecting with People
This award celebrates the connections we make with colleagues, customers, our local communities and professional partnerships. Nominate a colleague who has forged strong links with those they work with or those they support, brought together individuals, community groups, businesses, schools or organisations, or perhaps provided a sense of belonging for someone in need of connection.
- Winner – Karen Woodberry, New Business
- Runners up – Vanessa Stephens, Wiltshire Community Team and Sarah Blake, My Willows
Making a Difference – sponsored by Kärcher Center Bristol
The Making A Difference Award recognises colleagues who have made a real and positive difference for people they work with or care for, celebrating the amazing changes they have made for the better – whether processes, practical changes or innovative support.
- Winner – Sally Wheaton, Lavender Court
- Runner Up – Hilary Grabham, Portcullis House
Doing the Right Thing – sponsored by Regency Purchasing Group
It’s not always easy to do the right thing – but it is incredibly powerful, meaningful and impactful. This awards celebrates those who have done the right thing when they could have done the easy thing or indeed done nothing at all, standing by their principles and living by our organisational values.
- Winner – Nicola Daykin, Portcullis House
- Runners Up – Sue Mee, Realise South West and Rose Power, Pulsford Lodge
Embracing Change – sponsored by Marr Procurement
Life doesn’t stand still, and the world has changed so much in recent times. Change is inevitable, and embracing positive change is a sure-fire way of make the most of the opportunities it presents. The Embracing Change Award recognises colleagues who are innovative, forward-thinking and who embrace change to the benefit of themselves and others.
- Winner – Leanne Neilson, My Willows
- Runner Up – Richard Hudd, Wyndham House
Newcomer of the Year – sponsored by Blueleaf Care
Joining a new team or starting a new role can be a daunting prospect. Our Newcomer of the Year winner and runners up have seamlessly slotted into their team, brought new skills and expertise to their area of the business, and been recognised as all-round amazing team players.
- Winner – Rebecca Evans, Rowden House
- Runner Up – Nicola Richards, Pulsford Lodge
Carer of the Year – sponsored by Marr Procurement
Carers have the ability to empower people and enrich their lives. This award celebrates a brilliant carer who enables those they support to live the life they choose, whether they work in residential, community, learning disabilities or physical disabilities care.
- Winner – David Hadley, Wyndham House
- Runners Up – Martyn Bryant, Somerset Community Team and Stacey Rickett, Wiltshire Community Team
Team of the Year – sponsored by Bidfood
Many great achievements are as a result of team effort – by working together a team of individuals can make a real impact. Whether they work in front-line care or supportive roles, our Team of the Year award recognises a team who deserve recognition for their extraordinary efforts and achievements.
- Winner – Moorhaven, Taunton
- Runner Up – Combined Community Services Teams
Learner of the Year
Knowledge is power! Our Learner of the Year award celebrates colleagues who are committed to becoming the best they can be through training, learning and achieving qualifications, whether undertaking an apprenticeship, pushing themselves to achieve higher level qualifications or making the most of training opportunities.
- Winner – Charmaine Baker, Frith House
- Runner Up – Claire Mahoney, Somerset Community Team
Leadership of the Year – sponsored by Bidfood
Great leaders are found in all areas of the business and in all roles – they are the people who inspire, motivate and support colleagues to achieve great things. This award celebrates their successes and recognise the positive impact they have on others.
- Winner – Amy Yapp, Sunnymeade
- Runner Up – Kristie Chubb, Cooksons Court
Wellbeing Award
Wellbeing is physical, mental and emotional, it’s not always visible, but it is always there and affects each and every one of us. Like physical health, most of us only tend to consider our own wellbeing when something doesn’t feel right or we’re struggling. Our Wellbeing Award recognises colleagues who champion effective wellbeing practices, encourage people to speak out and be heard, and make sure that the right support is available for anyone who needs it.
- Winner – Rebecca Bulpin, Croft House
- Runners Up – Catherine Potter and Philip Walker, Speak Up Champions
Hidden Heroes Award – sponsored by Hunt’s Food Group
A great many successes are only possible thanks to the support of someone quietly beavering away behind the scenes. Whatever role they work in, and no matter which area of the business they are part of, the Hidden Heroes award is an opportunity to give supportive colleagues their moment in the limelight, and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.
- Winner – Lauren Lucas, Flexible Workforce Team
- Runners Up – Linda Miller, Wyndham House and Gemma Clarke, Cooksons Court
People’s Choice Award – sponsored by The Business Supplies Group
Feedback from our residents, customers and their loved ones is so important – it tells us what we are doing right and what we could improve. This award is exclusively open to nominations from our customers, residents and their families, enabling them recognise and celebrate a Somerset Care team member who has made a real difference to them and improved their quality of life.
- Winners – Realise South West support team for Client J – Christopher Batten, Neil Morton, Donna Scullion, Mike Atwell, Cailtin Camminga and Abi Luther
Harry Patch Award
The Harry Patch Award was introduced in December 2009 following the death of Harry Patch, the ‘Last Surviving Tommy’ and resident of Fletcher House. The inaugural award was made to Carol Mohide, Manager of Fletcher House, who had cared for Harry for many years. Since then the award has developed into recognising those who have delivered exceptional service to those in our care, across our entire range of services.
- Winner – Sue Harvey, Calway House
Thank you
A huge thank you to all of our nominees, runners up, winners, sponsors and everyone who has supported our 2022 Somerset Care Awards. As a not-for-profit organisation with strong values and a passion for people, we are proud to celebrate our colleagues who have made real difference in supporting those in our care to live the life they choose.
Want to join the Somerset Care team?
Get in touch today to find out more about opportunities to support people to live the life they choose, as part of the Somerset Care team.