Care Colleagues’ Efforts Recognised at Great British Care Awards

After what has been an exceptional 18 months, particularly for those working in social care, carers at Belong have had their hard work recognised at the regionals for the Great British Care Awards. And, for their work going above and beyond during the Covid-19 crisis, employer Belong also took home a regional Social Care Hero Team Award.
The special award, assessed by an independent panel of adjudicators, applauded Belong’s handling of the pandemic across its seven villages and home care services in the North West and Midlands, with judges praising a team with “a culture of transparency” and innovating to promote the wellbeing of residents and colleagues during very challenging times.
Belong’s win is based on prioritising the safety of customers and colleagues, whilst always working toward a Covid-free organisation, despite financial challenges that have impacted the sector. Notably, strong management, the early procurement of PPE and innovation in using technology are all key factors, as is the dementia care specialist’s commitment to creative activities to keep customers’ spirits up and provide a vibrant community atmosphere for everyone.
Also picking up the Care Home Worker Award, Samuel Evans, carer at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, had his passion described by judges as “very evident, despite not being in the sector very long. He was born to care and this came across very strongly.”
Taking home the Housing with Care Award, the Front of House Team at Belong Crewe were described by judges as “outcome focused and driven to provide the highest quality service to individuals, supporting them to remain independent in their own home and as part of the wider community.”
There was also good news for one of Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme's chefs, Nathan Wilshaw, who was highly commended in the Care Home Chef/Cook Award category for his person-centred approach to his work; and for Belong Crewe, support worker, Jodie Challinor, was highly commended in the Care Home Worker Award category, and Sharon Bull, also highly commended in the Workforce Development Award category.
All of Belong’s wins will go forward to the Great British Care Awards national finals in September.
In related news, since the coronavirus outbreak started, the not-for-profit operator has been re-accredited as a Gold Investors in People, with assessors praising Belong’s empowering leadership style, high-quality communication and the positive impact of its culture on resident outcomes achieved during Covid-19.

Pictured: Belong Crewe's Front of House team, pictured with Tracey Stakes, holding one of the awards. (L-R): Lora Burns, Ian Bossons, Hazel Evans, Tracey Stakes, Gwenda Francis, Sue Bone.