Posted on Friday 31st January 2020
People from across Staffordshire are being invited to nominate carers, work colleagues, friends and family members for a prestigious award.
The Staffordshire Dignity in Care Awards 2020 will recognise and celebrate those who care for the most vulnerable amongst us with dignity and compassion.
Those working in the care sector, informal carers, young carers, care companies and voluntary organisations are all eligible for this year’s awards now in their sixth year.
The launch, on Saturday 1 February, coincides with Dignity Action Day, a national celebration ensuring people who use care services are treated with dignity.
Alan White, Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing wants people to nominate those carers making a real difference in local communities.
Alan said:
“The care sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the county, with thousands of carers making a real difference to people’s lives every day. And, on top of this, there is also an army of informal carers looking after family members or relatives too, always going that extra mile for them.
“We are incredibly grateful for the work that all carers do, and our Dignity Awards give us the perfect opportunity to celebrate and thank them. I would urge anyone who knows a great carer to get them nominated and get them the recognition they deserve.”
Trish Jones from Grace Care Group was Highly Commended in the Leadership category at last year’s awards. Trish said:
“Receiving the award felt so rewarding. As a service we are so very passionate about making sure that everything we provide is done so with compassion, commitment and confidence. Dignity and respect is embedded into all that we do, and we display our awards with much pride.”
Irene Cooper from BlueBird Care in Stafford was awarded highly commended in the Dignity Champion award. She said:
“I felt it a great pleasure and a little overwhelming to be nominated for the award, I loved my job and always felt it such a privilege and a pleasure to be allowed into people’s homes to help them to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.”
Karen Fidgett from Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation was awarded Winner of the Community Award. Karen said:
“I was extremely honoured to win my award last year. During the awards ceremony I felt very humbled to be sharing the room with so many caring and compassionate people who, on a daily basis, went to enormous lengths to achieve absolutely anything to make life better for those they cared for. Good luck to all this year’s nominees.”
Diane Redfern from Horninglow Bungalows in Burton was Highly Commended in the Dignity Champion award. Diane said:
“I was really pleased to be nominated for a Dignity in Care award and then to get Highly Commended in my category. I do think though that the tenants I work with are worthy of recognition too because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do what I enjoy doing by promoting their independence and community presence.”
Joanne Tompson From the Manor House in Tamworth won the Life-time Achievement Award. She said:
“My goal has always been to raise the standard of care for older people. Giving them a voice and ensuring dignity, respect and person centred care is at the forefront of everything I do.
“My business - The Manor House Day Centre, gives older people living in Tamworth and its surrounding areas a place to feel valued and respected whilst allowing them to love and live into old age.
“The Dignity in Care awards are a really inspiring event where likeminded, passionate people are able to meet, to share ideas and recognise individuals for their incredible acts of kindness.”
Diane Wallace is a Dementia Outreach Manager and won The Outstanding Achievement / Contribution Award. Diane said:
“Every day I commit to raise understanding of dementia, and I would not want to stop until people who live with, or support someone with dementia, are treated with dignity, understanding and empathy. Getting the award was an honour and I am appreciative to be mentioned alongside some of the other wonderful recipients.”
There are 9 new categories in this year’s awards, including, Home Care / Extra care Dignity Champion, Professional, Informal Carer and Voluntary/Community support. Nominating is easy and quick and can be done online at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/dignityincare.
The closing date for nominations is Friday 1st May 2020.
Shortlisted nominations will be invited to a celebration event at Newcastle College of Performing Arts on July 14th, 2020 where winners will be announced and presented with their prize.
Further details on Dignity Action Day are available at www.dignityincare.org.uk