A Leeds social care worker who was given the Relationship Centred Care Award by the charity Making Space in October has been shortlisted for a second prestigious accolade.
Debra Hanrahan, a support worker and team leader at Kirklees Supported Housing in Batley and Waterhouse Court Supported Housing in Hunslet is on the shortlist for the Great British Care Award (GBCA) Dignity in Care award.
The award is given to a person who has maximises independence and choice, maintains privacy and dignity, and encourages self-esteem, social inclusion and autonomy. Debra was recognised by judges for her kind, mindful approach that places every individual at the heart of the support she provides.
Debra has been shortlisted for the York region, and if he takes home the trophy from the regional ceremony in November, she’ll go on to the national final in March 2023.
“I am honoured to have been nominated for the GBCA,” says Debra. “On a daily basis the effort I put into my work is with the full intention of enhancing service user wellbeing – and I will continue to do this throughout my career with Making Space.”
Debra was nominated for the award by Sajeed Daji, service manager of the supporting housing schemes. He said: “Debra is a team leader for Kirklees Supported Housing, and also acts as live-in caretaker at Waterhouse Court in Hunslet.
“As well as supporting 12 adults with a very complex range of needs requiring individual, personalised care plans at Waterhouse Court, Debra oversees a team of support workers and residents at Kirklees.
“She’s taken this new management role into her stride and introduced a co-production ethos across the services that reflects her kind, mindful approach. Debra patiently and gently helps people to work through their problems and find the solutions to reach their own goals independently. Since becoming team leader, she’s extended this approach to her whole team, leading by example and inspiring everyone.”
Phil Orton is the chief people officer at Making Space, a national adult health and social care charity with 1200 employees across the UK.
“Debra lives and breathes the values that we strive for here at Making Space,” he says. “She makes herself available for tenants and team alike, and is pro-active and innovative in the way she strives for successful outcomes for every individual she works with.
“She seeks out training and development for herself and others to be sure everyone is supported in the way that’s best for them, and has arranged for tenants to be involved in reporting and monitoring of the service – an initiative that drew praise from commissioners.
“We’re delighted that the Great British Care Awards have recognised Debra’s achievements, and we’re all wishing her the 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.
