Wiltshire Council celebrates the work of adult care staff throughout the county

Those who provide valuable care and support for adults throughout Wiltshire’s local communities have been recognised for the vital role they play.

Wiltshire Council hosted its first Proud to Care Social Care Celebration Awards on April 4 to thank those who work in a range of roles within the adult care and voluntary sector. Support was also provided by Wiltshire Care Partnership and Wiltshire and Swindon Care Skills Partnership.

Not only were experienced workers given a well-deserved pat on the back, but the next generation of younger carers were also recognised for their contribution. In total, 105 nominations were received.

The categories for the awards were:

• Community engagement

• Inspirational manager/team leader

• Help to Live at Home

• Supported living worker

• Home care worker

• Ancillary care

• Volunteer

• Rising star

Jerry Wickham, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for adult social care, said: “It was a privilege to be in the room to hear all about the fantastic achievements. We received so many nominations and it was difficult to shortlist, which just goes to show the high standard of the vital services being provided in our communities.

“There are many challenges in the adult care sector with exceptionally high demand, however as demonstrated at the event, our workforce and care partners are committed to doing so much for the people they support. Well done to all our worthy winners.”

The winners of the gold awards were:

Community engagement award:

Ellen Blacker, Wiltshire Council

Ellen was nominated for this award because of the work she has done to improve the lives of older people and vulnerable people in Royal Wootton Bassett, Cricklade, Malmesbury and the surrounding villages.

Inspirational manager/team leader award:

Kay Lovelock – Saxon Care

Key was nominated for her passion and respect for the care industry.

Help to Live at Home award:

Davina Coombes – Saxon Care

She is particularly praised by her nominator for the good work she does with clients with dementia.

Supported living worker award:

Gerald Padfield – Dimensions

Gerald is described as someone who is 100% committed to providing excellent support. The people he supports are always at the forefront of his practice.

Wiltshire Care Partnership home care worker award:

Andrea King – The Old Vicarage

Andrea has 25 years of service at The Old Vicarage. She is described as “totally reliable and trustworthy and someone who is key to maintaining and improving the care of all residents at the home.”

Ancillary care worker award:

James Webster and Lauren de Wilde Clark – Amesbury Abbey

James is described as the ultimate chef, taking pride in all the meals he prepares for residents and demonstrating a passion for food and drink that is second to none. Lauren is described as going above and beyond to ensure that the residents’ dining experience is warm, friendly and homely.

The Clare Evans Volunteer Team Award: (named after the founder of Wiltshire Centre for Independent Living where she was chair until October 2018; an experienced social work practise teacher and social policy lecturer, who was awarded am MBE in 2003 for her outstanding achievements and service to the community; and who sadly died this year).

The Alzheimer’s side by side volunteers

These volunteers make a real difference to the lives of people living with dementia, enabling them to live well with their condition, retain hobbies and interests and feel part of their local community.

The Clare Evans Voluntary Sector individual award:

Harry Theobald – Alzheimer’s Support

Harry is a trustee, volunteer fundraiser and community group volunteer for Alzheimer’s Support. Harry regularly goes out of his way to raise much-needed funds, which play a vital role in enabling the organisation to offer services for people with dementia.

Rising star awards:

Rebeccka Harper

Started with Saxon Care in 2014 in an ancillary role organising staff rotas. She demonstrated empathy and passion and ensured that she got to know not just the staff but also the clients. Her role progressed, and she is now the client co-ordinator.

Declan Fealy

He is described as a person who makes a huge difference to the residents in the home he works, arriving punctually at work with a good attitude and a smile on his face.

Alfie Jones

Alfie has only worked as a Home Care Worker for Mears Care since July 2018, but in this short time he is described as having made a huge impact.

Mika Ellis

She is described as an outstanding role model for new staff. She is open and approachable to new ideas and encourages staff to think creatively to ensure that people’s desired outcomes are met.

Jacob O’Reilly

Works for Totally Living Care and is described as working tirelessly and is passionate about the care profession.

Stevie Ann Foster

Stevie has a positive attitude towards everyone she comes across and is described as genuinely loving her job. She works well with the people she supports and enjoys assisting them to become as independent as possible.