The awards event hosted by Sylvie Blackmore, presenter on BBC Radio Surrey, had over 230 attendees from across the county and saw winners in a range of accolades for excellence in social care in key areas of ‘People’, ‘Services’ and ‘Practice.’
Said Rebecca Pritchard, Chief Executive of Surrey Care Association (SCA): ‘These awards recognise the huge achievements of these winners and highlight the fantastic services those working in social care provide.’
Xanelle Withers from Right at Home was crowned Care Worker of the year in home-based care and was praised for the way she transforms the lives of people through her work.
Recently caring for a client living with dementia and their family, her support to organise food preparation and hospice care has had an incredibly positive impact. One of many that she enables through her work.
Steve Mockler, from Learning Disabilities care provider Peak15 won Care Worker of the year: supported housing / day & community services. Steve was applauded for the respect he gives to the clients and the strength of resilience he displayed.
Said Xanelle: ‘I love my work and it is an absolute privilege to care for those who need my support. Showing people care like this is something that we all need and to be able to work in it is so fulfilling as you see lives changed. Thank you for my award!’
Added Steve: ‘”I was totally honoured to win this award – it was like entering a different dimension, so much to take in! I absolutely loved the whole night, this just means so much to me. And one of the best bits was meeting Sylvie, I listen to her all the time on the radio!”
Angela Murphy, Department of Health & Social Care – Assurance Team and Southeast Lead who was a member of the Surrey Care Awards Panel said: “So many [of the award nominations] have shown the uniqueness of social care roles – and the opportunity they bring to feed your own soul, and those of others you have contact with.’
She added: ‘The importance of people’s relationships and networks as being at the heart of social care came through strongly in so many of the submissions.”
Other award winners included Lucky Christou from Milner House, Care UK who won Care Worker of the Year: Care/Nursing Home. Lucky was recognised as a dynamo of energy, making the lives of residents as good and fulfilling as possible, particularly in her capacity to anticipate when residents may need extra support.
‘All of our award winners have made an incredible difference to so many,’ said Rebecca Pritchard, SCA, ‘and we are so proud to mark the achievements of care and compassion they have shown.’
Image depicts Steve Mockler, Peak15, Care Worker of the Year: Supported Living, Supported Housing, Day & Community Services