GB Care Awards – National Finals
Friday the 31st of March saw thousands of people who work in the social care sector gather at the International Conference Centre in Birmingham for a glittering night of celebration. Everyone was dressed to the nines and ready to party! This was a positive occasion to celebrate all that is good and working in the care sector in very difficult times of funding cuts from central Government and an increased demand.
Firstly we were served an amazing three-course meal and our host for the night…the one and only Martin Kemp of East Enders and Spandau Ballet fame was visiting tables haveing photographs taken with the finalists and their guests.
We were then treated to some wonderful entertainment from three opera singers and after we had all joined in the merriment by waving our napkins in tune with the chorus it was time to get down to the business of announcing the National Finalists for each of the 20 categories.
Winning an award at this level is no mean achievement and I would like to personally congratulate all the winners, especially Fiona Saadat and her team for winning Care Innovator. This was the category I was in and she was a deserved winner as she ticked all the boxes in the judging criteria.
Fiona has worked for Cecil Court – Central and Cecil for 20 years, starting her career as a carer. She worked her way up to Home Manager and has maintained a Good rating by CQC consistently. Fiona was awarded an award in 2012 for excellence for her work in specialist dementia care.
I was disappointed that my dementia assistance range didn’t win as I believe in them massively. I would, wouldn’t I? They are not only my “baby” but I know from feedback, how they are helping change people’s lives for the better.
The cards, labels and sew on patches are all available to be made free of charge at home using the appropriate paper/card and I make them for people who are unable to. Thanks to kind donations from people these items have already helped – I am now able to help many more people. Charity begins at home – in my home office!!
