Two teams of support workers at a North West charity headed up a roll call of excellence at an awards ceremony in Manchester.
The teams from Rochdale and Lancaster were presented with awards from their employer Alternative Futures Group (AFG) at its inaugural People’s Awards. Both were praised for their support for colleagues, positive values and close involvement in their communities.
Every year, AFG enables more than 1100 people with learning disabilities and mental health needs to be successfully supported to build a life for themselves.
Neil Campbell, chief executive at Alternative Futures Group said:
“The People’s Awards were set up to mark our 21st birthday and to recognise the dedication, commitment and excellence of all of our staff.
“More than 150 nominations were received across the 10 award categories by staff, people the charity supports, family members and carers.
“The ‘Team of the Year’ category was hardest fought and received 28 nomination and after much deliberation the judges decided on a joint winner.
“But there were so many worthy winners on the night and all of them deserve a special mention.”
This includes Wallace Tetlow, from Nelson in Lancashire who was presented with the ‘Volunteer/Unsung Hero of the Year’.
Wallace was recognised for his voluntary work helping people who have been seriously injured whilst on active service for the armed forces.
He was inspired after his own son was seriously injured in Afghanistan helping his friend who was Very Seriously Injured (VSI) by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
Wallace Tetlow on receipt of his award said;
“I’m particularly proud and grateful to all of those who nominated me.
“I’d like to dedicate this to my son and all of our armed forces who do such a difficult job, often in unimaginable circumstances.”
The full list of winners are:
- The Rising Star Award
WINNER: Alicia Hough, Team Leader, Cheshire - Volunteer/Unsung Hero of the Year Award
WINNER: Wallace Tetlow, Support Worker, East Lancashire - Best Newcomer Award
WINNER: John Noon, Support Worker, St Helens, Halton and Warrington - Outstanding Achievement/Innovation Award
WINNER: Jain Campbell, Team Leader, Fylde & Wyre - Versatility Award
WINNER: Steve Barnett, Team Leader, Cheshire - Positive Influence
WINNER: Dawn Prenton, Receptionist - Leader of the Year
WINNERS: Kristie Jacobs, Area Manager, Cheshire AND Caroline Ceesay, Registered Manager, Oak Lodge Independent - Support Worker of the Year
WINNER: Gill Taylor, Support Worker, Cheshire - Team of the Year
WINNERS: 230 Spotland Road, Rochdale and 32 De Vitre Cottages, Lancaster
