Two of our employees from Turnstone Support's Waterside Supported Living scheme in Chesham have been recognised by the REED Care Awards 2011. Hollie Capstick, Support Worker, won the Regional Carer of the Year prize for the South, and Vanessa Caldicott, Assistant Team Manager, was runner up in the same category.
The Care Awards recognise those within the caring community, whose commitment and compassion towards others surpasses the normal call of duty. Hosted by REED Social Care, in partnership with Sue Ryder care, the awards provide an opportunity to pay tribute to individuals who often go unrecognised. Hollie and Vanessa both stood out for their dedication at Waterside and for the care and support they provide to the people who live there.
To receive two commendations from REED is a significant achievement. It is a clear indication of the high level of care and service offered by the staff at this scheme, but particularly Vanessa and Hollie’s personal actions and accomplishments.
Unaware of her own nomination, Vanessa recommended Hollie for Carer of the Year, for her outstanding hard work and involvement. As well as supporting seven people at the scheme and caring for individuals in the community, Hollie is a Link Worker to Carol, one of the people who are supported at Waterside. Hollie always goes the extra mile, including giving up numerous days off, to ensure that Carol receives the very best care and support, and enjoys an excellent quality of life. She undertook a speech and language course when she started working with Carol, who has no speech. Carol’s mother has remarked that Hollie understands Carol’s needs more than almost anyone and requested that Carol’s photo be published as a thank you from Carol to Hollie.
Hollie’s success means she will go forward for the national awards in September, held at the Waldorf Hotel in London. Vanessa Caldicott, Assistant Team Manager, said; “I have received so many compliments from families that Hollie is a remarkable young lady with so much to offer. Her commitment goes beyond her role of duty, and Hollie deserves this recognition for all her hard work.”
Unbeknown to Vanessa, her own Line Manager Sorina Hill, had submitted a nomination on her behalf. Vanessa works for Turnstone Support, our care division had been working as a nightshift worker, however was keen to develop within the care profession. She successfully applied for her current role as Assistant Team Manager, which she has held for the past two and a half years.
Since taking up this role, Vanessa has supported many people and their families. Some of the people Turnstone work with find it difficult to be as independent as they would like in everyday tasks; Vanessa spends time working with them, supporting them to accomplish things that before seemed unimaginable. She worked closely with one woman who has been living at the scheme for nearly 15 years, and through Vanessa’s support and enthusiasm, this lady is much more self-sufficient, as well as getting married next year, she will soon be moving to her own flat.
Sorina Hill, Team Manager, said; “Vanessa has made a real difference to all the people she supports, as well as the staff she manages. She understands the people we support and their preferred way of communicating, and shows great understanding of staff needs.”
Vanessa takes a very hands-on approach to her role. As well as displaying good leadership skills, managing and supporting a team at Waterside, and recognising individual’s development needs, she is also involved with the activities and events at the scheme. Vanessa said, “Waterside is a very active scheme. We get out and about with the people who live there on a daily basis, swimming, bowling, horse riding, even car boot sales. We recently took some people to a JLS concert at Milton Keynes Stadium, which was great fun.”
Lisa Patient, REED Recruitment Manager, presented Hollie and Vanessa with their awards, which was attended by the family of one of the people Vanessa and Hollie support. Lisa said; “I am delighted that this is the 2nd year in a row that a Radian employee has won the Regional Prize, which highlights the excellent support they give in their everyday roles. It was a pleasure to meet with Hollie when I presented her prize on site at Waterside.”