SUCCESS AT THE GREAT BRITISH CARE AWARDS

Shaun Hill of 'Homes Caring for Autism' won the Care Home Worker Award and Bethany Lawrence of 'Able Care' won the Best Newcomer Award at the finals of the Great British Care Awards, held in at the International Conference Centre in Birmingham on 31st March. 

Trophies were presented by Martin Kemp, the Spandau Ballet musician and EastEnders actor, at the ceremony and gala evening.

Richard Smith, the founder and managing director of Homes Caring for Autism, which has its head office in Weston-super-Mare, said:

“This award recognises the significant role of the care home worker in consistently providing a high-quality standard, for people living in residential care, and it provides well-deserved recognition of the commitment that Shaun has shown to the people he supports.

“It is particularly fitting that Shaun was nominated by the mother of a young autistic man whom he has cared for over the past eight years.

“An enormous difference can be made to autistic people with a learning disability by understanding their needs, and enabling them to reach their full potential, and it is through workers like Shaun that we are able to make such a difference in our homes.”

Shaun, who is 27 years of age, started working with HCA as a support worker in May 2009. He became a shift leader in February 2013 and a senior support worker in July 2015.

AbleCare Homes Company Director, Sam Hawker, said

"We are so proud of Bethany, to be the National Care Home Newcomer winner is a fantastic achievement. 

"Bethany started work at Frenchay House as an apprentice and has developed so quickly; she is a natural.  Her category was not only for apprentices but for people of all ages, from all walks of life, who are new to care.  Bethany’s victory will spur us on to get our nominations for the Care and Support West Awards completed. ’ 

Left to right: Steve Walls (GBCA Host and compère), Professor Martin Green OBE (Chief Executive, Care England), Shaun Hills, Martin Kemp (musician and actor)