Award winning carer

Andrzej Wojcik, a support worker at Radian's Turnstone Support, has won Reed's Carer of the Year Regional Award and was a finalist at the National Carer of the Year Awards held at the Waldorf Hilton Hotel in London this week.

Originally from Poland, Andrzej has been working in social care for 11 years and began working for Turnstone in 2005 as a shift worker. Having previously cared for a blind person in America, Andrzej was keen to work in a one-on-one situation again and two years ago he saw a position available for a live-in support worker.

Although providing live-in support presents very different challenges from shift work, and not many support workers make the transition, Andrzej thought the role would suit him better. This belief was maintained when he met Jeff, a wheelchair user with limited communication skills. Andrzej started working with Jeff on a two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off basis and immediately realised that this partnership could work, as Jeff was very co-operative and patient with his new support worker.

After a few weeks working with Jeff, Andrzej started noticing small changes that could make life better for Jeff and improve his development. Through his own initiative and the developing understanding of Jeff's needs, Andrzej implemented changes to encourage Jeff's independence and communication. This has included helping Jeff to learn to control a mobility scooter on his own and developing a non-verbal communication system which allows Jeff more freedom and privacy.

Having earnt his trust, crucially Andrzej has been able to improve Jeff's confidence, which in turn has enabled Jeff to enter into conversation and partake in more physical and social activities. Andrzej has introduced Jeff to swimming for the first time, takes him bowling and to the cinema, and to regular music workshops and massage sessions. He has also helped Jeff to eat more healthily, buy his own computer and start smoking less. They also now frequently socialise with other people that Turnstone supports, which provides much-needed variety of interaction for all concerned. Andrzej has recently taken Jeff on holiday to Skegness with this group. Each day was filled with a diverse range of activities, the highlight being Jeff driving a go-cart by himself.

Andrzej said, "I get great satisfaction from my work with Jeff. It was hard work to begin with, however now I really enjoy my job. It's like a hobby really. I am very grateful for the award, I didn't realise people saw what work I was doing but it is great to know that Turnstone Support recognises what its support workers are doing. The staff are well supported by the management and it's good to know that if I have any questions, I can always get expert help from them. I feel overwhelmed to have received this award - working with Jeff is the best job I've ever had."

Andrzej did not know about his nomination for the prestigious award, which was submitted in secret by his manager Lisa Pettefer. "Andrzej is a shy and modest man who would never seek any kind of recognition for the wonderful progress he has made with Jeff. Turnstone put forward several deserving members of staff, of which we selected Andrzej. He is a very hard working and conscientious member of staff, not just with Jeff but also helping support his fellow workers."

He was presented with a certificate and £100 for winning the Regional Carer of the Year which was presented to him by Donna Leedham, Northern Regional Manager, Turnstone Support, "Andrzej was nominated because of his general approach to work. He's done a lot to improve Jeff's lifestyle. One of the most significant improvements is to Jeff's communication, including development in his speech."

Humbly, Andrzej stated that his much-deserved award was as much due to Jeff's dedication and perseverance, than his own work. He now looks forward to proudly showing his award to his family in Poland and especially his daughter, who is also a support worker within social care.

For more information about the service Turnstone Support offers, please go to www.turnstone.org.uk or call 01753 747372 .