Congratulations to Julie Johnson, Juliet Arthur, Kitty McAvoy and the team at our supported living accommodation in Frimley. They are all shortlisted in the Surrey Care Awards, run by the Surrey Care Association.
Care Worker of the Year: Care / Nursing Home
Julie, known as JJ, is Practice Lead at Combe House near Woking, and is a finalist in the Care Worker of the Year category: Care / Nursing Home. She has worked at Combe House for 20 years, offering 100% commitment to people she supports and her fellow team members.
Her approach always focuses on our core values of Having Fun, Being brave, Making things happen and Valuing everyone. She makes people laugh all the time, challenges people to step out of our comfort zone and try new things, is really creative in seeking out opportunities with and for people, and is kind and considerate to all.
Supported living / Day & community services
Juliet is Practice Lead at supported living accommodation in Whyteleafe for adults with an acquired brain injury. She is a finalist in Care Worker of the Year: Supported living / Day & community services.
Outgoing and positive, Juliet uses her strong interpersonal skills to develop rapport with people she supports, may of whom exhibit behaviours that challenge. Creating trusting relationships, she is able to encourage them to do things important for their health such as attending vital hospital appointments. Juliet has shown immense dedication by facilitating emergency situations even on her days off. She is passionate about her job and supporting people to live their life to the fullest they can by engaging in activities that they love.
Registered Manager of the Year
Kitty, Home Manager of Chandon is shortlisted for Registered Manager of the Year. She is an inspirational and visionary leader who has created a strong family culture at Chandon. The people living there have profound and multiple learning disabilities and the quality of relationships between them and the team is excellent with a wonderful atmosphere.
Person-centred initiatives Kitty has implemented include touch passports which detail what touch each person like including hand holding and hugs. She ensures people are engaging in planning their support as much as possible focusing on their needs in a holistic way.
Team of the Year – Large Provider
The ‘Frimley’ Team is shortlisted for Team of the Year – Large Provider. The accommodation is home to four ladies with learning disabilities and complex physical health, mental health and neurological conditions. Thanks to the team’s support, they have control over all aspects of their lives, leading the lifestyle they want.
There is a strong focus on contributing to society including a Macmillan coffee morning, partnering with local businesses, taking part in random acts of kindness, litter picking and volunteering. Enhancing people’s independence, the team has enabled people to come to terms with, and live with, new medical diagnoses; manage finances; and increase their learning on subjects such as diet, exercise, voting and CV writing.
All finalists will be enjoying a celebratory evening at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking on Friday 8 November where the winners in each category will be announced. The theme for the awards is ‘Let’s get loud for social care’ and guests are being exhorted to wear bright and bold outfits. We look forward to hearing more and seeing some colourful pictures.
Well done and good luck, everyone!
