Leeds Care Workers Win Prizes at Health and Social Care Awards
Care workers from Leeds are celebrating after scooping top prizes at a health and social care awards ceremony.
Outwood, is Horsforth, is a specialist residential service for adults. It provides outcome focused care for individuals with learning disabilities and associated complex needs who may have behaviours that challenge.
It scooped the top prize of Social Care Service of the Year at the Cygnet Group Achievement Awards.
Lisa Phelan is a support worker at Kirkside House, on Spen Lane, Leeds, a specialist residential service providing outcome focused care for adults with learning disabilities and associated complex needs. She won the Swan Award for an individual who has completed 10+ years of service and continues to innovate, motivate and make a positive difference every day.
Cygnet Group is a leading provider of health and social care services for young people and adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries, eating disorders, autism and learning disabilities within the UK.
Held last year for the first time, the Cygnet Group Achievement Awards is open to 11,000 staff across Healthcare, Social Care and Support Services, to honour colleagues across all departments and job roles who go above and beyond to ensure service users receive the highest quality care.
The awards took place at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham and recognised the individuals and teams who made outstanding contributions. Colleagues were able to nominate one another and there were nearly 1,200 nominations across 15 categories, all judged by different, independent panels recognising the range of skills across the Cygnet workforce – including support workers, clinicians, chefs, IT, nursing and all the other vital roles.
All winners were presented with their awards by former England cricketer, Marcus Trescothick, who was guest of honour at the event. Marcus kick-started the event by talking to the 280-strong staff audience about the mental health struggles he had experienced throughout his playing career.
Gareth Williams, CEO of Cygnet Social Care said: “The team at Outwood work incredibly hard to provide care for their 10 amazing residents. The home has a brilliant atmosphere which makes everyone feel safe and supported.
“Most residents are non-verbal and many have very strict routines so the team works hard to give them opportunities to live full and interesting lives. Each resident continues to thrive and meet their goals.
One member of the team said: “Our residents are a joy to support and put a smile on everyone’s face. They make you want to come to work every day and do the very best you can.”
The nomination script for Lisa read: “Lisa is in her 12th year at Kirkside House and makes it her personal mission to support all our staff to understand each resident’s history, routines and boundaries.
“She often receives positive feedback from colleagues for doing this and is wholly committed to always “getting it right for residents.”
“Lisa is an ambassador for our values and behaviours. The truly compassionate care she gives has a significant impact on Kirkside residents, making her truly deserving of this recognition.”
A spokesperson for Outwood said: “It’s a very hard working service, we have a great team with great service users and it is such a blessing to work with everyone.
“There is an amazing blend of individuals who come from different parts of the world, have different experiences and we all work together, we pull together and collaborate. Everybody is united by the common goal of making the service the very best it can be and we are all motivated to keep pushing ahead and doing the best we can for our incredible residents.”
Upon receiving the award, Lisa said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be recognised for doing a job I love.
“I love our residents to bits, it’s so rewarding, knowing that you’re empowering somebody to live the best life they can. It’s the best job I have ever had.”
Dr Tony Romero, CEO of Cygnet Group, said: “These awards are incredibly uplifting, hearing the countless stories about how so many of our staff have provided life-changing care and support.
“Lisa and the entire Outwood team consistently goes above and beyond for the individuals in our care. They demonstrate passion for their work, commitment to excellence, and an unwavering dedication to our service users.
“Cygnet has a proud, 35-year history of providing quality care to some of society’s most vulnerable. From the very beginning, back in 1988, it has been the caring nature of our staff who have played the greatest role in ensuring we change lives for the better. Their hard work and dedication are the foundation of our success, and I am proud to work alongside such exceptional individuals and teams. They really do go above and beyond to give our service users hope of a brighter future.”
