Local carers Kate Archer and Adrian Page are celebrating after their wins at this year’s Dignity in Care awards
A total of 11 awards were presented, recognising care services and individuals who ensure people in care are treated with dignity and respect.
More than 150 nominations were received, with awards being presented by special guests, including television presenter Nick Knowles and actor Sir Tony Robinson. Jan Burns MBE, from The National Dignity Council and Renny Wodynska, Head of Skills for Care in the Midlands, also presented during the virtual awards ceremony, alongside Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council and Chief Executive John Henderson.
Kate, who won the Home Care/Extra Care Dignity Champion, is the Clinical Lead at Triband Care Services said:
“I was overwhelmed to be nominated and even more so when my name was revealed as the winner.
“I don’t do what I do for recognition but because I have genuine compassion for the individuals in my community that need that extra support and human contact – something that has been even more important during the pandemic. I’ve been stunned by all the messages of congratulations that I have received and I’m very grateful. I would like to also commend all the other nominees in my category and all the other winners.”
Residential /Nursing Care Home Dignity Champion went to Adrian from RMP Care in Stone.
Adrian said: “I was overwhelmed to receive a dignity in care award. It was wonderful to be nominated, let alone win. I felt a great sense of pride to be recognised by the people that I work with. I feel that the most important part of being a care worker is the word Care. We must first and foremost care for the people that we support. I know that there are so many really worthy winners of a care award, so when I was chosen I simply cried at the honour.”
Megan Wright from Stafford was crowned Dignity Champion. The teenager who won Outstanding Achievement is a young carer and astounded judges with her amazing story and care that she provides to her dad and two younger sisters.
She said on winning the award: “I feel grateful just for being nominated, never mind winning such an award. With being a young carer, comes a lot of sacrifice but it’s very rewarding, and to be recognised by the community is even more of an honour and I’m beyond pleased.”
Special thanks also went out to event sponsors, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, Cream Health and Social Care, Alton Towers, the Dorothy Clive garden, The Coop, The Staffordshire Oatcake Company, HAS Technology and Access group.
Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council, who presented some of the virtual awards said: “I would like to say a huge well done to all the winners and all those nominated in this year’s awards.
“Once again it’s great to see such a range of carers being recognised, from those working in large carer organisations to those in specialist care homes and especially those looking after family members and relatives.
“I would like to thank everyone for the work they do in providing care with such dignity and respect. We are all extremely grateful for what they do and they should all be very proud of their achievements.”
You can watch the virtual ceremony at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/dignityincare
