In the last six years, Ed has progressed from Support Worker to Manager at Penny Meadow in Colchester. His dedication to the day service and ability to lead from the front draws deserving praise. He often spends evenings and weekends working to create improvements, including building a sensory room from scratch. His nominations come hot on the heels of a recent awards night for people supported, celebrating their successes and achievements. Ed put his heart and soul into the event transforming the hall into a Wild West ranch. Waggons, stage lighting, hand-painted backdrops and props ‘worthy of a movie set’ created the atmosphere for a fantastic evening.
Supportive, caring, personable, funny and professional are just some of words used to describe Ed. Clearly much admired by his team and people he supports, he always makes time for everyone. One person said: “I feel that his love, passion and dedication for Penny meadow should finally be recognised.”
Busy and energetic service
Responding to his award win, Ed said: “As a manager of a Day Service within Achieve together I am very fortunate to have a unique role. Every day in our busy and energetic service is different but always rewarding. People we support challenge themselves every time they attend the service to grow and develop new skills, from trampolining, swimming and woodwork to art and craft, sports and life skills cooking.
“I am lucky to have such an amazing team working with me at Penny Meadow. Their skills and dedication to the service enable us to work together to build on our successes. They also help to develop and grow the service for Meadowers – as we like to call people we support – and future Meadowers. The Award of Manager of the Month can not only go to me but must also go the whole team.”
Well done to everyone who was nominated for this award in 2023. The winners from each month will be entered for the Heroes Awards Manager of the Year Award – watch this space to find out who is on the shortlist.
