Care team at Gladstone House, Newark, scoop people’s choice award in Nottinghamshire Proud to Care awards

An assisted living complex’s care team have been recognised with an award for going above and beyond in their work.

The Fosse Healthcare team at Gladstone House, Lord Hawke Way, Newark, were presented with the people’s choice award at the Nottinghamshire Proud to Care Awards.

It was the first time Nottinghamshire County Council had held the awards, which were created to recognise and thank people who work in the private care sector.

Danielle Boddy, deputy manager, said: “We weren’t expecting it at all.”

Leanda Hardy, senior carer at the assessment unit, added: “It’s the first time we’ve won something like this, and the first time Fosse has won an award.

“It recognises our care — we do personal care, medication, shopping trips, and we go above and beyond for them.

“We’ve done trips to the castle, we go to the YMCA cafe, and we’ve been out to Hardys in Farndon.”

The award ceremony was held at Eastwood Hall in Nottingham, and gave finalists, their colleagues, guests and sponsors an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those who work in social care, connect with others in similar work environments, share ideas and be inspired by moving stories of how care has transformed people’s lives.

Over 200 people attended the celebration, where guests enjoyed a day of music, fun and laughter, sharing ideas and hearing what made the winners’ and finalists’ contributions to care so life-changing and why these awards were so richly deserved.

Leanda added: “It was an amazing awards ceremony, we got our glad rags on.

“It was a lovely day at a really nice venue.”

Speaking at the event, Melanie Williams, executive director for adult social care at the county council and president of ADASS, said: “I have worked in the care sector since I was 17 years old and I am proud of the career I have chosen. Sometimes it’s hard and we face challenging situations. Sometimes it’s emotional, as we sit and hold someone’s hand as they draw their last breath. Sometimes it’s frustrating and we work hard to make sure people get the support they need. But it’s always incredibly satisfying to know that we are making a difference, and we can be the reason people have a smile on their faces each day.

“I want to say thank you to our 32,000 strong care workforce in Nottinghamshire. We recognise what you do every single day and we celebrate your wonderful achievements.”

Jonathan Wheeler, Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care added: “These awards help to give social care the recognition it deserves. We have truly dedicated people working in care, many of whom tell us that this is more than just a job for them.

“Those who work in care support 13,000 people across the county with a range of needs. They are committed, inspiring, hard-working, and passionate about the people they care for. I’d like to congratulate the award winners and thank those who work with them. And I’d like to thank the sponsors for their generosity in supporting these awards.”

The people’s choice award was sponsored by Channel 3 Consulting.