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  Newsletter Autumn / Winter 2011 (400.1 KiB)

We are delighted that two of our Support Workers have recently won their categories at the East of England Care Awards, which celebrate excellence across the care sector, and pay tribute to the people who have demonstrated excellence within their field.

Kayleigh Edevane won the “Care Newcomer” Award and Ann Le Lievre won the “Dignity in Care” Award. Karen Gardiner and Deborah Tyler were also finalists.

Kayleigh works with a girl in her teens who has cerebral palsy, helping her to live a full life – including going out for meals, social activities, playing boccia, and shopping for clothes. Kayleigh was described by the judges as “… an individual who demonstrated a real passion for care and who is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the young person she supports.”

Ann supports a woman who sustained a brain injury in a car accident, and helps her with a variety of day-to-day activities, including making jam, and accompanying her to rock concerts and on holiday. Ann was commended for her “total respect for her service users’s space, needs, wishes and property”.

The Care Co-ordinator at ACM, Linda Marsden said “This is great recognition for our Support Workers who are all hard working and dedicated carers. We are extremely proud of Kayleigh and Ann and their achievements, and look forward to supporting them in the National Finals of the Great British Care Awards in 2012.”

Sharon Dixon from Great Yarmouth has been named one of the UK’s best “Home Care Workers”, having been nominated for the award by ACM.

Sharon works with one of ACM’s youngest clients, and was awarded the title of “East of England Home Care Worker of the Year” in October 2010. Sharon attended the National Finals of the Great British Home Care Awards in London in May 2011, and despite not being named the winner in the sector, the judges commended all 7 of the finalists, saying “Congratulations to everyone this evening – everyone here is a winner!”

Having interviewed Sharon twice, the judges said “Sharon is passionate about her role and the difference she makes to the lives of others. She is aware of her professional/personal boundaries but demonstrated how she can deliver seamless solutions by putting fun into support.”

As an experienced play therapist, Sharon has been caring for children with disabilities for over 25 years. Sharon finds her job both rewarding and enjoyable, and said, “It’s a great honour to receive this award.”

Linda Marsden, Care Co-Ordinator at ACM said “This is great recognition for Sharon, who is a hard working and dedicated carer. She thoroughly deserves the title of East of England Home Care Worker of the Year!”