Two Bolton charity workers have been shortlisted for a Great British Care Award (GBCA) in recognition of the work they did to support carers in the town during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Safiyyah Mir and Sameera Reyani are support workers at Bolton Carer Support, a free service which helps carers of people living with mental health conditions. The service, which is run by national adult health and social care charity Making Space, supports carers with a range of issues including one-to-one support, welfare benefit advice, and help with accessing other professional services.
The pair have been shortlisted for the GBCA Social Care Covid Hero award, in recognition of their “selflessness, dedication and commitment to maintaining the safety, physical and emotional wellbeing of service users and staff members,” and their “creative, innovative and flexible approach.”
And, if they take home the trophy from the North West regional ceremony at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester in November, they’ll go on to the national final in March 2023.
Isaac Diallo is the manager of the service. He nominated Safiyyah and Sameera for the work they did with colleagues across Greater Manchester to ensure no service user was left behind due to Covid.
“From the beginning of the pandemic, the support teams transformed themselves into a Covid task force,” he says.
“Working as one, they brainstormed ideas about how best to keep service users connected with local communities and neighbourhoods, with a purpose and sense of belonging. They remained active on the frontline to protect and promote mental health and wellbeing, and worked safely and tirelessly to ensure nobody became isolated.
“They constantly adapted to changing regulations and safely, strategically and successfully prioritised mental health and wellbeing to prevent people from reaching crisis point. The constant care and organised activities helped prevent isolation and loneliness, kept people involved and engaged with local communities and socially included.”
Phil Orton is the chief people officer at Making Space. “Caring can take a mental and physical toll, and during the height of the pandemic it was crucial that no-one felt abandoned,” he says.
“The dedicated team at Bolton work tirelessly to ensure the people who generously and selflessly care for family members and loved ones also receive the care and support they need. It’s wonderful that they’ve been recognised by award judges, and we wish them all the very best of luck.”
The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector. They pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work, from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training and innovation.
