County's care sector in the spotlight with special awards

Young people, family carers, community groups and organisations from across Staffordshire have been recognised at Staffordshire's annual Dignity in Care Awards.

Over 70 guests joined family members and work colleagues for the annual celebration that recognises care services, teams and individuals who put dignity, respect, as well as quality care at the heart of everything they do.

The Staffordshire County Council run event is part of a wider campaign to celebrate how important carers are, and the many opportunities for people to make a difference and feel valued by working in the care sector.

Amongst the winners were Jade Rawlinson, from Cannock who scooped the Newcomer to Care award.

Jade has been working with Home Instead for five months and said: “It was great to win the Newcomer award. My employer has been really welcoming and supportive of everything I do. I love working with my clients as they always put a smile on my face and it feels like a second home.”

The registered manager award went to Alison Norris from Cannock also from Home Instead.

Alison said: “It's a great feeling winning the Registered Care Manager award but also fantastic that another one of our carers has won the newcomer award too.

“Working in care can be challenging but it's the most amazing and rewarding job you could ever want to do. I've been doing it for 35 years now and would encourage others looking for a rewarding career to consider working in the care sector.”

Louise Molineux who works for Staffordshire County Council's Day Opportunities team received the Special Recognition award for her work supporting people with learning disabilities.

Louise said: “We have the privilege of providing services for adults with some of the most complex needs. Our clients are at the heart of everything we do, they are our greatest teachers and it's a real privilege to be able to care for people.”

The Care Team award went to the Chatterley Unit at Woodview Care Home and runners up went to the team at Park View in Stoke-on-Trent.

Julia Jessel, cabinet member for health and care at Staffordshire County Council who presented some of the awards said: “This is one of my favourite events of the year.

“Not only do the awards give us the chance to showcase the care sector but it's a great opportunity to thank and celebrate everyone working in care whether informally or formally.

“Putting compassion and dignity at the heart of care is so important, and here in Staffordshire we do everything we can to support carers to be able to do that every day. People working in social care are caring, ambitious people.

“They look after our nearest and dearest and make a difference every day. Working in care is incredibly rewarding and there are lots of vacancies right across the county. There's training and qualifications you can take, and lots of opportunities for professional development and career progression.

“Once again, I would like to say a huge well done to everyone at the event and particularly to our winners and highly commended.”

The ceremony was held at Newcastle College of Performing Arts on Tuesday 18 July.