A team of care workers in Calderdale have reached the finals of three separate awards ceremonies in six different categories, in recognition of their unwavering support for unpaid carers in the region.
The team behind the Calderdale Carers Wellbeing Service, which is run by national health and social care charity Making Space, provide a wide range of personal and group support to people who care for loved ones full-time.
Their dedication has been recognised by the Great British Care Awards, the Social Care Leadership Awards and the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care (WAGS) awards, which are all held annually to celebrate the outstanding achievements of people in the care sector.
Lydia Woodall is manager of the service. She nominated her team of support workers for the awards to thank them for their commitment to Calderdale carers.
“There’s been a massive increase in the number of carers needing support and I’m so proud of how this wonderful team have pulled together to help carers and each other,” she said.
“Their daily acts of kindness keep everyone going and their innovation knows no bounds. If they identify needs, they work together to find solutions. A good example is their response to the cost-of-living crisis: they’ve raised over £16,000 and counting to source and distribute essential items to carers.”
The whole team – Ruth Booth, Danielle Lewis, Aisha Ali, Beth Sykes, Elizabeth Booth, Louise Belcher, Julie Smailes, Janet Rayner and manager Lydia – have been shortlisted in the Home Care Team category at the Great British Care Awards.
Support workers Ruth, Danielle, Aisha, Beth and Elizabeth are also in the running for the Care Innovator award in recognition of the initiative they show in reaching and supporting carers.
Activities coordinator Louise has also received a nod for the work she does to organise activities for carers. A finalist in the Dignity in Care category, Louise has been singled out for personalising the activities and making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“Many unpaid carers neglect their own needs: Louise cheerfully reminds them they’re not forgotten and gives them things to look forward to,” Lydia said. “She’s made a massive impact on the carers we support, her colleagues and Making Space as a whole. She boosts morale when we need it most and brightens every day.”
One unpaid carer is in the running for her own award in recognition of the support she provides to her peers. Erin Whale was acknowledged by the GBCA judges for using her own experiences to help other carers, as well as helping to organise fun activities for the groups she attends.
“Erin is a vital member of our team,” said Lydia.
All the GBCA finalists will find out if they’ve won at a glittering awards ceremony at The Armoury in Leeds on 2 November.
In the WAGS, qualified counsellor Janet Rayner has been recognised in the Wellbeing at Work category. As well as running courses and peer support groups for carers, Janet spends her own time coming up with ideas for wellbeing activities for her colleagues.
“Janet approaches everything she does with kindness, understanding, an open mind and a passion for helping others,” said Lydia.
“She’s always available with a listening ear and helping hand. She comes up with little ways to brighten our days, such as a wellbeing basket full of treats including candles, chocolate and magazines. If someone’s having a bad day, they can take a treat and have some time out.”
Winners of the WAGS awards will be announced at a black-tie gala dinner at The Marriott Grosvenor Square in London on 21 November.
Finally, Lydia herself was recognised for her endeavours after being nominated anonymously for the national Social Care Leadership Awards. Lydia was shortlisted in the Wellbeing Leader category, in recognition of the many initiatives she has put in place to help support workers in their roles.
Nick Farmer is the chief operating officer at Making Space. He said of the awards: “It’s so important to celebrate the successes of all the hardworking teams within the care sector. Just being nominated means that someone has noticed how our colleagues go above and beyond every day to achieve the charity’s vision to put wellbeing at the heart of health and social care.
“This is something that should be celebrated, regardless of who takes home a trophy. But to be recognised by three separate organisations in the face of stiff competition really is a great honour for this wonderful team and their manager Lydia.
“Whatever the outcome, we’re all immensely proud of everyone who’s been shortlisted and wish all of the finalists across our sector the best of luck on the night.”
