Burton Mail

Chance to reward vital ‘care sector’ across the county

NINE DIFFERENT AWARDS ARE UP FOR GRABS AT BIG EVENT

- By JOSEPH RICHARDS joseph.richards@reachplc.com

STAFFORDSH­IRE residents are being urged to nominate others for this year’s Dignity in Care Awards.

Recognisin­g the best of the county’s care sector, the Staffordsh­ire Dignity in Care Awards, in partnershi­p with Staffordsh­ire University, are now in their tenth year,

Featuring nine different award categories, anyone working in adult care, paid or unpaid, along with care providers, can be nominated

New for this year is the Dignity in Care Mental Health Champion, which will recognise the impact mental health practition­ers have in the county.

A second new award, chosen by key sponsor Staffordsh­ire University, will celebrate commitment to learning in the care sector.

Mike Phillips, executive dean of health, education, policing and sciences at Staffordsh­ire University said: “Dignity in care is an essential part of our teaching and learning at Staffordsh­ire University. It’s the part that patients and their loved ones remember for years to come.

“We know that many people who start out as informal carers for friends and family members go on to train for work in the care sector and it’s that commitment to learning that we’re looking to celebrate at the Dignity in Care awards.”

Alison Norris from Home Instead, based in Cannock, won the Registered Manager Award at last year’s awards and is calling on people to put forward their nomination­s for this year.

She has been working in social care for over 35 years and knows the importance of putting dignity at the heart of everything they do.

“I’ve been working in the sector for many years now and when I was nominated for the Staffordsh­ire Dignity in Care Awards, I felt truly humbled,” she said.

“As anyone who works in social care knows, we do this role, not for the recognitio­n, but because we truly care about people.

“So, for someone to recognise my contributi­on, it was such a thoughtful and unexpected privilege. Being nominated and invited to the ceremony was an award in itself. I was very honoured to receive my award, not only for myself but also for the amazing Home Instead team that I am very fortunate to work with.

“Everyone who works in social care deserves to be recognised, and to nominate or be nominated is a step in the right direction to identify excellence within the caring roles that we perform.”

Richard Harling, director of health and care at Staffordsh­ire County Council said: “The care sector is a vital part of society and our awards are a great way of celebratin­g the importance of having dignity in care.

“Alison did really well last year to win her award and it’s great that she’s now urging other people to make a nomination. “There are thousands of great carers right across Staffordsh­ire and we’re keen to show our appreciati­on and thank them for what they do. If you know a great carer then please get them nominated for a Staffordsh­ire Dignity in Care award.”

Nominating someone for an award is quick and easy and can be done online at Nomination 2024.

People who need help completing a nomination can speak to the team at dignity@staffordsh­ire.gov.uk or by calling 01785 355 795.

The deadline for nomination­s is 28 April 2024.

 ?? ??
 ?? ?? Alison Norris from Home Instead won the Registered Manager Award at last year’s awards.
Alison Norris from Home Instead won the Registered Manager Award at last year’s awards.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom