On 28th September, the Somerset Care Group held their annual awards ceremony at the Somerset County Cricket Ground, Taunton. The event recognised staff from across the Group for their outstanding achievements, contribution and dedication.
321 nominations were submitted this year from colleagues, customers, customers’ families and healthcare professionals. The Somerset Care Group Awards recognised both individuals and teams across 14 categories.
Over 100 guests attended the event, which included a three-course lunch and a raffle to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support. Attendees saw a short film which featured shortlisted nominees and heard speeches from Chairman, Chris Davies and Chief Executive, Jane Townson. Local celebrity and BBC Somerset radio presenter, Ben McGrail, hosted the event and interviewed Jane and one of the winning teams for his show after the event had finished.
Speaking on the awards ceremony, Chief Executive, Jane Townson said: “Our future success as a company depends on one thing and one thing only – finding and keeping enough of the right people. Ensuring our staff feel valued is one of our most important roles as leaders and managers, as this above all else is a key reason why people stay with us, remain motivated and continue to deliver outstanding care. Our annual awards event is always a heart-warming and up-lifting celebration of all that’s great about our people and this year was one of the best we’ve ever had. We laughed, cried, heard remarkable stories, and marvelled at the humility, compassion and selflessness displayed by so many of our staff. We cannot thank all of them enough.”
Awards were presented in the following categories:
Best Newcomer
Winner: Anna-Marie Ray from the Realise South West team.
Highly Commended: Suzanne Hilton from the Wiltshire Community Services team.
Outstanding Learner
Winner: Megan Townley from Southlawns.
Outstanding Contribution to Activities
Winners: Sally Button and Leanne Sims from Critchill Court care home.
Highly Commended: Emily Holly from Southlawns care home and Stephanie Steer from the Halcon Centre.
Inspirational Trainer
Winner: Emma Burns from Acacia Training and Development’s Plymouth branch.
Highly Commended: Jacqui Wenham from Acacia Training and Development’s Taunton branch and Gemma Brimson from the Wiltshire Community Services team.
Dignity in Care
Winner: Pat Taylor from Oak Trees.
Highly Commended: Alison Wilkinson from the Taunton Community Services team and Kelly Burns from the Wiltshire Community Services team.
Quality Dementia Care
Winner: Gemma Brimson from the Wiltshire Community Services team.
Highly Commended: Sheryl Blanco from Frith House.
Customer Service
Winner: Lisa’s team from the Realise South West team.
Highly Commended: Kezia Strange from the Sedgemoor Community Services team and Marise Barry from Frith House.
Make a Difference
Winner: Brian Wells, a volunteer from Popham Court.
Highly Commended: Martin Griffiths from Wyndham House and Marites Estioco from Frith House.
Inspirational Line Manager
Winner: Jenny Dodds from the Realise South West team.
Highly Commended: Vanessa Stephens from the Wiltshire Community Services team and Pippha Chick from Lavender Court.
Outstanding Manager of the Year
Winner: Chantal Kirkland from Cooksons Court.
Highly Commended: Jenny Futcher from the Wiltshire Community Services team.
Inspirational Senior Manager
Winner: Nicola Mould, Assistant Director of Finance.
Highly Commended: Keith Crockett, Assistant Director of IT and Business Systems.
Outstanding Worker of the Year
Winner: Martin Griffiths from Wyndham House.
Highly Commended: Mary Woodward from Milton House.
Outstanding Care Worker of the Year
Winner: Carol Matravers from the Taunton Community Services team.
Highly Commended: Dawn Aldred from Cooksons Court and Tracey Pinnell from the Wiltshire Community Services team.
Team of the Year
Winner: Brian’s team from the Realise South West team.
Highly Commended: Critchill Court and the Taunton Community Services team.
