Ellesmere Port support workers shortlisted for prestigious care award

Registered manager Dreena Davies, deputy managers Julie Naylor and Matthew Johnson, and support workers Anne Alexander, Hannah Foley, Victoria Wedge and Pauline KujabI are all carers at Rivacre House, a 12-person home which provides person-centred care and support.

The positive, co-productive environment and wide range of activities created by the group have been recognised by judges of the GBCA Care Team award, which is given to a team with “special qualities” who deliver an excellent service.

The care team have been shortlisted for the North West region, and if they take home the trophy from the ceremony at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester in November, they’ll go on to the national final in March 2023.

“Rivacre residents are blessed with the finest support team who go out of their way to co-produce amazing activities and events,” says Mark Thornton, a volunteering and co-production officer with national adult health and social care charity Making Space.

Mark, who nominated the team for the award, adds: “Residents are partners, and co-production a way of life. The manager involves employees, residents, family members and medical professionals in planning, decision making and delivery, and encourages people to take ownership of areas they naturally enjoy and excel in.

“Residents produce a regular newsletter and hold a monthly meeting to discuss what they would like to achieve and plan how to do it. Workers and residents alike learn all about the suggested activities and plan them together so they can be enjoyed safely. Everything is valued and nothing is missed – all achievements, no matter how small, are shared and celebrated in a respectful, dignified way.”

Staff and residents at Rivacre run a gardening club, cinema club, events to celebrate national and international days, and hold hugely successful Bake Off events. Residents also enjoy community activities such as city and culture tours, gym visits, eating out, zoo trips, and karting.

Phil Orton, chief people officer, said of the nomination: “The dedicated team at Rivacre work tirelessly to come up with new and exciting ways to ensure residents have full and fulfilled lives.

“It’s wonderful that this constant pursuit of creative and inclusive ways to deliver support have been recognised by the GBCA judges, and we wish the team all the very best of luck.”

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector. They pay tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work, from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training and innovation.