SHINING stars of care homes across the county have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to care.

Carers took the evening off to celebrate at the Orders of St John Care Trust’s annual employee awards at Wellington Barn near Calne at the end of last month.

Winners across ten categories, including Young Carer of the Year and Unsung Hero, were presented their awards by Deputy Lieutenant for Wiltshire, William Wyldbore-Smith.

Staff invited to the award ceremony were recognised for their hard work and dedication to the 19 homes they work in across Wiltshire, and one in Sussex.

Chief executive of The Orders of St John Care Trust Dan Hayes said: “I am constantly blown away by the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, who are committed to enhancing the lives of those who call our residences home.”

Among the winners were Susan Noonan of Hungerford House, Corsham who was crowned Carer of the Year, Amanda Palfrey of Coombe End Court, Marlborough who was awarded Leader of the Year, and Josie Atwood of Seymour House, Chippenham who was named this year’s Unsung Hero.

Manager of Coombe End Court in Marlborough, Mandy Palfrey has managed the care home since November 2016 and her hard work resulted in the Care Quality Commission rating the home as ‘Good’ in January for the first time in seven years.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting to receive a nomination for Leader of the Year, and I was shocked and happy at the same time when I learned I had been nominated. There are a lot of great leaders at the trust, and everyone works very hard to achieve the best for the residents and employees.”

“I continue to drive my employees to develop new skills from the beginning of their career journey by enrolling them in Care Certificate training, as well as further developing their knowledge through other advanced training.

“I am a believer in building capability throughout the team, to enable employees to develop within their role but also to enable them to progress throughout their career.

“I ensure my team feels valued and supported at all times,” Mandy said. “I was over the moon when I won. It goes to show if you work hard and have a focus in mind, anything is possible.

“I appreciate the acknowledgement for the hard work myself and my team has achieved, and I will celebrate this with my team to show them my appreciation.”

The winners are:

  • Young Carer of the Year 2018 - Courtney King – St Wilfrids Priory, Arundel

  • Carer of the Year 2018 - Susan Noonan – Hungerford House, Corsham

  • Leader of the Year 2018 - Amanda Palfrey – Coombe End Court, Marlborough

  • Volunteer of the Year 2018 – Sue & Avril – Willowcroft, Salisbury

  • Hospitality of the Year 2018 - Matthew Hutton – Brookside, Melksham

  • Unsung Hero 2018 - Josie Attwood – Seymour House, Chippenham

  • Activity Co-ordinator of the Year 2018 - Leanne Sims – Goodson Lodge Care Centre, Trowbridge

  • Newcomer of the year 2018 – Tatum Johnson – Fives Court, Warminster

  • Employee of the Year 2018 – Debra Elliott – Willowcroft, Salisbury