TWO Cheshire West care workers have been presented with awards by a national charity.
Chloe Cadman, who manages supported living services in Northwich and Ellesmere Port, and carer support worker Gilbert Martin were both recognised by their employer, the national health and social care charity Making Space.
Gil, who is originally from Scotland but is now based in Northwich, supports the carers of people living with mental health issues across the region. He was given the Community Integration Award for his determination to overcome the barriers that carers face and ensuring they receive support. Gil works for Cheshire West and Chester Carer Support, which is based in Northwich.
Chloe, from Winsford, was given the Inspiring Leader Award in recognition of her passion, commitment and ability to motivate and lead by example.
Both winners received their trophies at a ceremony held at Manchester’s The Edwardian hotel, where they joined finalists from across the country to enjoy a three-course lunch sponsored by national businesses. The Community Integration Award was sponsored by Nueven and the Inspiring Leader Award was sponsored by Solid State Security.
Gil was nominated by his team leader Samantha Weston. She said: “Gil is meeting more and more carers in rural communities for one to one appointments and has a natural ability to chat to carers about their own unique needs.
“He’s ensured that support is available in rural areas and targets GP surgeries, pharmacies, community groups and local food hubs to reach as many people as possible. He also works with the Cheshire & Warrington Carers Trust to deliver a monthly male carers group.”
Chloe’s nomination described how she is “positive, passionate and has a great ability to motivate her team. She faces challenges head-on and uses all her knowledge and networks to achieve the best possible outcomes. She will go above and beyond for our residents and fight tooth and nail for what she believes in. Her qualities inspire everyone she meets.”
Chloe said: “There are days when I question whether I am doing enough for my team and for the people we support, so being recognised with this award is quite overwhelming. It inspires me to achieve even more within my role and I hope my continued hard-work and dedication will reflect this. I am honoured to work for an employer that values and appreciates its employees in this way.”
Gil said of his award: “I’m one of a small team of five who put a lot of work into expanding our reach to help more people, so this award is for the team. It was great to see the other finalists and share our ideas. It’s clear we all love our work, so to be recognised for doing our jobs is an honour.”
Phil Orton, chief of people at Making Space, and Alison Everett, area manager for Skills for Care judged both awards.
They said: “Gilbert has diligently worked to reduce barriers for carers, continuously seeking innovative ways to reach those in hard-to-reach areas. He is a standout advocate for carers in his community.
“Chloe is an engaging and motivational leader with a clear vision for her services. She leads with empathy, supports people to develop skills and has created a positive, open and trusting culture.”
Phil continued: “I am continually inspired by the amazing work I witness throughout our services from our colleagues. Each and every member of our Making Space team is an inspiration, which is why we embrace the opportunity to recognise and value their incredible work and take pride in the positive.”
Now in their third year, the Making Space Colleague Awards are held to recognise and pay tribute to the individuals and teams amongst the charity’s 1,000 nationwide employees who inspire others, go above and beyond expectations and make a real difference.
Cheshire West & Chester Carer Support supports the family carers of people living with a mental health condition or learning disability.
You can contact the team to find out about the free support they offer at cheshirewestcarersupport@makingspace.co.uk or on 01606606694.
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