Three colleagues shortlisted for West Sussex care awards
We are incredibly excited to announce that three colleagues from Oakwood Court care home in Haywards Heath have been shortlisted for the West Sussex Partners in Care awards.
Jess James, Angela Kirby and Gill Brouder were all nominated and have made it through to the final. They will attend a complimentary glittering awards ceremony on Thursday 23 May to hear the results of their categories. The West Sussex Partners in Care accolades take place each year and the event has kindly been sponsored by a variety of organisations to recognise the commitment and dedication of social care workers across West Sussex.
Jess, Administrator, was nominated for the ‘clerical worker award’ for her positive ‘can-do’ attitude, going the extra mile and new initiatives she’s set up at Oakwood Court. Jess said:
“When I heard I had been shortlisted for an Award, I was overwhelmed! It is so wonderful to be recognised by my manager for the hard work that I put in every day and to know that it is appreciated by her makes me want to continue doing what I do. I love my job working at Oakwood Court and feel like I am part of a very special team. Everyone works so hard and supports each other, it’s a shame we can’t all be nominated!
I enjoy helping colleagues and residents and solving problems - which are usually IT related! I also look forward to sending my weekly email out to all the staff which normally entails reminders, notices and upcoming events, there’s also a funny meme in there somewhere and a positive quote to end with! I am now looking forward to going shopping for a fabulous dress and enjoying my first Awards Event!”
Angela, is a Laundry Assistant and was nominated for the ‘Ancillary Worker’ category. She takes time to get to know resident’s individual preferences and helps to brighten their day with her big smile and sense of humour.
Angela said: “I’m still in shock, I really appreciate the nomination for these awards. I love working with the Oakwood Court team, we’re like a big family and I also look forward to coming to work. We all look out for each other and it’s brilliant having an approachable, caring and supportive manager.
When heard I’d been nominated I was lost for words for a change! All my life it’s always been my older sister who’s got picked for things, and now it’s me! I’m looking forwards to the awards ceremony and meeting other care workers there, hearing their inspirational stories. It will be a nice build up over the next week to a special evening.”
Gill has been a care assistant at Oakwood Court for four years, her nomination was for the ‘Care Worker’ award. Gill always puts residents at the heart of everything she does, she empowers residents to keep their independence and her caring, calm and attentive demeanour is wonderful.
Gill said: “I am delighted to be nominated for an award. It makes me feel valued and I am proud of the work I do. My family are extremely proud of me and encourage my commitment towards my job. I do the best I can for the residents at Oakwood Court with care, patience and understanding. I love to give them my attention and time. I enjoy the company and support of all of my colleagues.
There is a lovely atmosphere at Oakwood Court, our team is great! I am very much looking forward to the awards evening, it is a brilliant way to recognise and reward everyone's efforts. I wish all the nominees the best of luck."
Bindu, Care Home Manager at Oakwood Court is delighted to hear about three of her team being through to the final: “Being shortlisted is a huge achievement in itself and I’m proud that Jess, Angela and Gill have been recognised for everything they do in their roles to support our residents and colleagues. We are one big team at Oakwood Court we’ll be rooting for them all the way! We hope they enjoy an evening of celebration at the awards ceremony next week and we will also celebrate here with our team and residents.”