From resident to carer for award-winning Daniella!

And there’s a cooking accolade for Stacey

A WOMAN diagnosed with autism won a national award for her work as a carer for the company in whose residential services she lived for seven years.

Stoke-on-trent-based support worker Daniella Gilbert’s ‘remarkable journey’ led to her winning a special highly commended award at the National Care Group’s annual awards.

Daniella, part of the day services team at Shelton Care, was commended in the Newcomer of the Year category.

Diagnosed with autism, she has been able to successfully gain new skills and independence to earn her current role at the company, after living in its residential services for seven years.

Daniella said: “I’m really pleased to win this award, which wouldn’t be possible without the help of all my friends and colleagues that I work with.

“I’m really grateful for all the support they have given me over the years, and feel incredibly proud to be now giving back and supporting other people to achieve their dreams.”

Returning in-person for 2022, 150 National Care Group workers from across the country gathered to celebrate and reflect on the past year in care.

Stacey Bennett, part of the Oak House team at Shelton Care, was also praised for her passion in helping supported individuals lead happy and healthy lives through food.

Taking home The Master Cook award, she was nominated by her colleagues for being creative with everyday meal planning at Oak House, and for also playing a central role in catering for its special events.

Stacey said: “It should never be underestimated the joy food can bring to the lives of the individuals we support.”

Day Services and Oak House formulate part of the Shelton Care banner at National Care Group, following its acquisition in 2018.

It joins 300 support services owned by National Care Group across the UK, with the group continuing to recruit and expand its offering year-on-year.

James Allen, CEO of National Care Group said:

“I’m hugely proud of everyone that works hard across the group to maintain our position as one of the foremost providers of adult social care operating today.”

National Care Group supports more than 1,250 vulnerable adults, each with varying healthcare and specialist needs.

CELEBRATION: All the winners and shortlisted colleagues at the awards evening. Inset, above, Daniella Gilbert accepts her Newcomer Award with Jamil Mawji, co-founder of National Care Group. Inset, top, Stacey Bennett’s Master Cook Award with Karen Lewis, chief operating officer at National Care Group.