Support Worker shortlisted for a Housing With Care award!

Debra has been a Support Worker at our Leeds Supported Housing Service since 2016, she has been shortlisted for The Housing With Care award.

This award recognises an individual or a team who provides person centred services to vulnerable people living in any kind of supported housing scheme.

Debra is a lone worker and she also lives in her own accommodation at the service that supports 12 adults who have learning disabilities, mental health, substance misuse issues or are older people who may or may not have a diagnosis of Dementia. Debra supports tenants at the service to live independently, but with the reassurance of 24/7 on-site support. Each person has a unique care and support package in place to help them to prioritise their wellbeing and to maintain their tenancy.

Cath Magee, Service Manager for Making Space said: “Debra believes in every person she supports, even when they don’t believe in themselves. She takes time to work up care and support plans with all twelve individuals, knowing that many will struggle with some of the goals that they have set for themselves.

“Working with such a complex mix of adults is not easy, but Debra is able to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard, everyone’s voice counts and everyone can achieve their goals, maybe not first time around.

Over the last two years five people have died at the scheme, all five had long term health difficulties including COPD, Cancer and heart problems. This loss takes a terrible toll on other tenants and on staff, but Debra has trained in end of life support, arranged funerals and along with her tenants has celebrated lives lived to the full.

We will find out if Debra has won at a gala awards evening at The Railway Museum in York on Thursday 15 April 2021.