CARERS who go above and beyond to help the people they look after have been celebrated at an awards ceremony.

One team of carers ensured a woman could have a dog in her home; another worked with other people to make sure a dying woman could spend her last days at home with her husband, while another made sure a young person with autism made a smooth transition to independent living.

John Livesey, chief executive at Bolton Cares, the largest provider in Bolton, said: “Bolton Cares’ success is only made possible by the dedication that everyone puts in day in, day out. We know that our employees do great things every day and it’s important that we celebrate those achievements. That’s why we hold the awards ceremony. We want to recognise those individuals and teams who truly do go the extra mile.”

The winners this year:

Making Dreams Come True:

Eden Lodge Team - Extra Care

The team at Eden Lodge made a lady’s dreams come true by supporting her in having a dog. The lady’s bungalow caught fire and consequently lost all her belongings; she was admitted to hospital on a secure ward. When the lady moved into Eden Lodge she asked if she could be supported to have a dog. The team supported the lady by taking her to animal shelters and worked with the housing association so it could be agreed she could have a dog in her new home.

Advocating for the people we support:

Mandy Grant — Registered Manager, Extra Care

Ms Grant took on a challenge with other professionals to keep a lady in her own home with her husband to live her last days.

The lady made her wish to die at home next to her husband, but other individuals wanted to admit the lady to a care home.

Ms Grant advocated on behalf of the lady and her family to see out her wishes. Ms Grant was pleasantly surprised to win the award as she said: “Extra Care was proud to win their award as it gives us an opportunity to reflect on our hard work and remind us how far we have come and how we have improved the services we provide.”

Best Improved Service Area:

Extra Care Team

The team has established a new Senior Support Worker Team who meet regularly to ensure they are doing everything possible to meet the needs of the people they support whilst meeting contract requirements with the Council and CQC legislation.

Best Newcomer:

Najma Patel — IT Project Manager

Ms Patel has been noted for working quickly and efficiently and has been good at keeping people informed.

Ms Patel was determined to ensure that the IT system worked operationally - even when faced with challenges.

Bringing our values to life:

Vicky Ritchie — Assistant Operations Manager, Supported Living. Ms Ritchie has advocated on behalf of the people Bolton Cares support and ensured that the service knows everything they need to effectively and safely support patients.

Creating Great Teams:

Emma Southworth — Senior Support Worker, Extra Care

Ms Southworth has been described by her colleagues as “genuine, caring and passionate about what she does.

“Emma is helpful and cheerful, always encouraging residents and employees to get involved creating a warm family feeling.”

Creative Problem Solver:

Joanna Jackson — Operations Manager Older Adults Services

Ms Jackson has worked tirelessly, making the service of Extra Care person-centred and efficiently run.

Ms Jackson has been focused on providing an excellent service for older people, to improve peoples’ quality of life and promote independence.

Developing partnerships to enrich the lives of people we support:

Sara Ashton and The Hollies Team

A parent of a young person with autism has praised Ms Ashton and her team saying: “Without the invaluable help and guidance of the whole of the Hollies team, [the young person’s] transition to independent living would not have gone as smoothly as it has”.

In response to the win, Ms Ashton said: “It was wonderful for the team at The Hollies to receive recognition for the work they have done over the past 10 months. All the tenants at The Hollies were really pleased for the staff team!”

Going the Extra Mile:

Julie Ogden — Support Worker, Supported Living

Ms Ogden has helped her team to access the IT system, providing training and support with "nothing ever being too much trouble".

Unsung Hero:

Abdul Adia — Support Worker, Older Adults Day Services

Mr Adia has been described by colleagues as: “Always trying to promote people we support with their independence and enjoys a very good rapport with everyone. He is unsung because he quietly goes about his work and when he is not in work you really do miss him.”

Bolton Cares was established in 2016 to provide adult social care services for older people, people with learning disabilities and autism, and people with mental health problem. Their mission is to provide high quality, compassionate care and support to help local people live better lives.

Over 150 submissions were received, giving Bolton Cares’ Board the tough job of shortlisting as the standard of entries was so high.