Abbots Care Awards 2023
On Wednesday, 8th November, we celebrated our annual Abbots Care Awards and what a wonderful evening it was!
We want to congratulate all our winners and say a huge thank you to everyone who attended. And, we offer an extended thank you to all our Care Workers for the hard work they do every day that makes Abbots Care outstanding.
We spent the evening at the lovely venue, Shendish Manor, where we celebrated each other and our collective achievements over a three-course dinner. We were delighted to hear from our MD Camille and special guests from the Hertfordshire commissioning team. Afterward, we sang and danced our hearts out to live music from the amazing singer, Gemma before we took one final winners’ photograph to end the evening.
We can safely say a great evening was had by all.
It gives us great pride to announce our winners. Please read on to find out more about their contribution to Abbots Care and the lives of the people they support in the community.
The Home Care Hero (Hertfordshire) Award
This award recognises the significant role of the home Care Worker in Hertfordshire who consistently provides a high-quality standard of care for people living in their own homes. They should recognise any changes in their regular service users and follow the correct procedures to support this Service User.
The winner for this award was Arfinta, this is what she had to say…
“The Abbots Care Awards evening was perfect and winning an award made me feel appreciated and motivated. Keeping a smile on my Service User’s face brings me most joy in my role, being a Care Worker is the most reward and satisfying job as help vulnerable people.”
The Home Care Hero (Emerging Branch) Award
This award recognises the significant role of the home Care Worker in Dorset or Buckinghamshire who consistently provides a high-quality standard of care for people living in their own homes. They should recognise any changes in their regular service users and follow the correct procedures to support this Service User.
The winner for this award was Paula, this is what she had to say…
“After the shock of winning, I felt honoured, proud, and very grateful to know that not only our lovely Service Users but also my colleagues feel that I am deserving of such an accolade. I had been a retail manager for 30+ years and started to fall out of love with the role… I bit the bullet and just resigned not knowing what to do. I came across an advert for another care company and within two weeks of applying, I began my journey in the care industry. No two days are the same as a Care Worker, the laughter and the tears but most importantly just be YOU! Everything is worth it once I see a smile on my Service Users face.”
Learning Disability and Specialist Hero Award
This award recognises the significant role of a specialist Care Worker and how they consistently provide support to children and young adults with learning/physical disabilities in a social setting. They will use their own initiative, build a strong relationship with the Service User and their families, and support colleagues.
The winner for this award was Len, this is what he had to say…
“Winning this award came as a complete surprise which I feel so grateful and happy for. I was recommended to Abbots Care by a friend and have never looked back, the job is very rewarding and what brings me most joy is the smile on my Service Users face when I arrive.”
The Reablement Rockstar Award
This award recognises the specialised role of a Reablement Care Worker and how they consistently provide support to people who have been discharged from hospital and enable them to live as independently as possible in their own home. Evidence of using initiative, encouragement, and dedication to support colleagues and service users will be important elements for the judges.
The winner for this award was Vivien and the award was accepted by her daughter Gemma, this is what she had to say…
“Sadly I was unable to attend the Abbots Care Awards but my daughter Gemma accepted the award on my behalf. Winning this award meant the absolute world to me, I’ve been a Care Worker my whole life as it is the most rewarding and lovely job. My Service Users have become more like friends/ family to me.”
The Schemes Excellence Award
This award is for a Care Worker who works in one of our Extra Care schemes. It will recognise someone who not only ensures their service users’ health and mental wellbeing are looked after, but also their colleagues. Support Service Users to live as independently as possible in their own settings, complete activities with them and being a great team player and support their colleagues working at the schemes.
The winner for this award was Tracey, this is what she had to say…
“I was pleasantly surprised winning the Schemes Excellence Award, the evening was entertaining and truly wonderful. What brings me most joy in my role is seeing my Service Users thrive and hearing about their life history once they get to know me.
I used to work in clothing shop on Watford high street when I was 17 years old, my colleague once told me she used to be a home care manager and that I should consider working in care industry, 36 years later I have never looked back since!
One piece of advice I would give to someone considering the role is be yourself, be honest if you and if you make a mistake learn from it. Speak up if you need support, smile and never say your just a Care Worker.”
The Live-in Superstar Award
This award recognises the significant role of a Care Worker who works with people with who require 24-hour care. They will provide outstanding person-centred care, build a strong relationship with the service user and their families, they will also be required to work with other health care professionals at times.
The winner for this award was Foluke, this is what she had to say…
“The awards ceremony was fantastic! Winning the award makes me proud of myself and that I am able to help vulnerable people. I got into the care industry 25 years ago and what brings me most joy in my role is when my Service Users and their families are happy with my work.”
The Rising Star Award
This award is in recognition of a newcomer to the company who has shown unwavering dedication, compassion and professionalism. This individual makes a profound impact on the lives of our Service Users’, promoting independence and enhancing their wellbeing.
The winner for this award was Hamza, this is what he had to say…
“I feel grateful and honoured to win the Rising Star Award, I have recently started my career at Abbots Care has just began and I can’t wait for the journey.”
The Outstanding Team Player Award
This award recognises the care worker who lives the Abbots Care value of great team work by encouraging others and has a positive attitude towards service users and their colleagues.
The winner for this award was Eunice, this is what she had to say…
“Was such a great evening and I really appreciate winning this award. I started my career in the care industry as people told me I’d be good at it as I’m a caring person, the job is hard work but very rewarding. What brings me most joy in my role is seeing my Service Users happy.”
The Overseas Hero Award
This award recognises the overseas care worker who is hard working, has a positive attitude and always ensures their service users health and wellbeing is looked after.
The winner for this award was Anna, this is what she had to say…
“The evening was a great success, winning this award was great motivation to know that my contribution is being noticed and impactful to the Abbots Care family and our Service Users. My passion is caring for others and improving the lives of others. Being a Care Worker is extremely fulfilling and gives a sense of self-worth.”
The Commitment to Service Award
This award recognises the care worker who has a positive attitude, is reliable and is always willing to go the extra mile to help us provide an outstanding service.
The winner for this award was Laily, this is what she had to say…
“The evening was lovely, and I really appreciate receiving the Commitment to Service Award! I have a passion for caring for others and brings me joy to see my Service Users smile. It is gratifying to change people’s lives in the most positive ways.”
Wellbeing App Engagement Award
This award will recognise the Care Worker who supports the Abbots Care Wellbeing App and providing compliments to your fellow colleagues. The care worker also has a positive attitude, is reliable and goes above and beyond for their Service Users.
The winner for this award was Ruhsan, this is what she had to say…
“I loved the evening and winning this award showed appreciation for my hard work. I became a Care Worker as I love giving care and helping people live the best life they can while putting a smile on their faces.”
The Care Star Award
This award recognises the care worker who extremely stands out to the office by representing the Abbots Care values, for their strong work ethic, great teamwork and has a passion for making a difference.
The winner for this award was Tina, this is what she had to say…
“It was fantastic to win the Care Star Award and what a lovely evening it was! Winning this award made me feel valued and very rewarding also reminded me how much I mean to my Service Users. What bring me most joy in my role is making my Service Users happy every day.”
The Honorary Award
This very special award is to acknowledge and celebrate the great achievement of David who was this years Leaders In Care Award 2023 finalist for Frontline Carer Of The Year, we couldn’t be prouder.
The winner for this award was David, this is what he had to say…
“The evening was really enjoyable and it was great to meet people I rarely see. Winning the Honorary Award was very special and came as a complete surprise.
I became a Care Worker as I was made redundant during Covid, while on furlough I volunteered for a local hospice which I really enjoyed helping people so thought I would try care, years later I haven’t looked back since.
What brings me most joy in my role is helping my Service Users and being able to make a difference to someone’s day is a real privilege. If only people knew the satisfaction helping someone brings. Helping to keep someone in their home where they have memories and where they feel safe.”
The Long Service Award
This award has been chosen as a category to recognise outstanding years of service Care Workers have given to their Service Users, Abbots Care and the Health and Social Care sector for 10 years or more. These Care Workers have shown great commitment, dedication, and hard work and continue to ensure a high standard of person-centred care is always provided to our Service Users.
Here’s to many more amazing years.
Our longevities were Charlotte, Len, Robert, Laki, Jazzmine, Kim, Avril and Priya, this is what they had to say…
“Winning this award came as a complete surprise which I feel so grateful and happy for. I was recommended to Abbots Care by a friend and have never looked back, the job is very rewarding and what brings me most joy is the smile on my Service Users face when I arrive.” – Len
“Receiving this award means a lot to me, to feel valued and to be recognised for the work I have put into supporting people in the 16 years that I have worked for Abbots Care.
My dad worked at Leavesden Hospital when I was growing up and he also worked in care homes around Hertfordshire, he later retired due to medical issues. At the time I was working in retail and was not enjoying it, so I applied for Abbots Care in 2008 and it honestly is the best decision I ever made. What brings me joy in my role is knowing that I have made a difference to someone’s day or to their lives having a positive outcome, helping people achieve goals they thought they would never be able to do.
It’s not all about giving someone a wash and getting them dressed, it’s about building trust and gaining trust. Developing a relationship/ friendship and helping people achieve goals which seem impossible.” – Robert
“It was lovely to have my long service recognised, it was a lovely evening and so much fun. I have always wanted to be in the care industry, I studied health & social care at school. What brings me joy in my role is making a positive difference to people’s lives, its rewarding and fulfilling.” – Jazzmine
“I feel appreciated and valued receiving this award, it was wonderful and I loved seeing the care workers receive their awards. My mum received care and I then knew I could do the same for someone’s mum, meeting Service Users and helping them achieve the best they possibly can brings me the most joy. It’s not a job for the faint hearted, it takes commitment, courage, and you need to really care.” – Kim
“I really enjoyed the evening and receiving an award. I’ve worked in the care industry since I was 18 years old, what brings me most joy is supporting my team in providing good and regular training to all care workers.” – Avril
“It was a fantastic night and lovely to celebrate the hard work of our care workers. Receiving the Long Service Award was completely unexpected but really appreciated. I started working with Abbots over 10 years ago as an administrator then progressed through my career. I love working with people and knowing I work for a company with amazing values.” – Priya