A team of Darlington support workers have been named Social Care Covid Heroes at the Great British Care Awards.
The Darlington Rapid Response team, who support people in their own homes with a wide range of personalised care, were named winners of the award at a glittering ceremony hosted by actor and comedian Steve Ward in Newcastle.
The audience at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park heard how judges selected the Darlington team for “deftly and expertly responding to the increased emergency workload catalysed by the pandemic.”
“The Darlington Rapid Response Team proved themselves to be a vital lifeline for many during Covid,” they announced. “Ensuring both physical and mental wellbeing, when clients couldn’t see their families the rapid response team geared up with PPE to talk and comfort those in need.”
Unfortunately, due to an administrative mix-up, the team weren’t there to pick up the award in person. But colleagues from the adult health and social care charity Making Space, which runs the service, had also been shortlisted for awards and were happy to accept on their behalf.
Rebecca Liddle is the registered service manager in Darlington for Making Space. She explains: “We had two other finalists on the night from Making Space services in Darlington – the Menopause and Wellbeing Group from Rosemary Court on Blackton Grove, and my daughter Chloe, who was shortlisted for the voluntary activities she does with tenants at Rosemary Court.
“When we got to the ceremony and found out the Rapid Response Team had also been shortlisted, I was absolutely blown away. And for them to then win was the icing on the cake.
“I just wish the team had been with me to celebrate on night, as without them we wouldn’t be where we are. But the menopause group and Chloe were absolutely thrilled for their friends and went on the stage with me to celebrate.”
The Darlington Rapid Response team took home the award for the North East region, and will now go forward to the national GBCA finals in Birmingham in March – where they will be in with a chance to attend a glitzy ceremony.
The team of 14 care workers all support people in their homes who need emergency help within a quick timeframe, such as people discharged from hospital or when regular carers aren’t available. Support includes personal care, meal preparations, housework, shopping, prescriptions and collecting medication, often in collaboration with social services and district nurses.
During Covid restrictions, rather than scaling back, the team increased the service. They worked together to anticipate the extra needs of service users and calmly and safely ensured they were met, always motivating each other with humour and high spirits.
Making Space provided PPE, and safety protocols were established and continuously updated to ensure no service user was put at risk. When other providers were unable to enter homes, the team stepped in. And, when people couldn’t see their own families, the Darlington team pulled on their PPE and visited to talk, provide company and establish extra needs.
When these chats revealed problems, the Darlington team found solutions. They organised an appeal to buy Christmas presents and dressed up as Santa and Elves to deliver them, used the facilities from other Making Space services to prepare and deliver freshly cooked hot food. On Christmas Day, the team pulled together to make sure everyone had a proper Christmas dinner and no-one was left alone.
Phil Orton is the chief people officer with Making Space. He said of the team’s achievements: “The support the Darlington Rapid Response team provide during normal times is exceptional – they’re flexible and proactive and ensure everyone receives the home care they need.
“During Covid, they exceeded everyone’s expectations, including commissioners. The Rapid Response team is very highly regarded and it’s wonderful to see them receive recognition. And congratulations also to the Menopause and Wellbeing Group and Chloe Liddle, who were very worthy finalists.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated professionals and volunteers here at Making Space. Every day I’m inspired by the values and commitment of the people around me to make a real difference to the lives of others.”
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.
The Darlington Rapid Response Team are: Rebecca Webster, Lauren Stapleton, Amelia Webster, Kirsty Munro (holding award), Craig Holborn, Coleen Johnson (holding certificate), Alison Hawksworth, Carol Denman, Beverley Jenkinson, Elaine Wilde, Sharon Dodsworth, Rachel Usher, Courteney Waistell and Sophie Morrison.
