The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events, celebrating the outstanding work being done by care staff across the country. There are 21 categories in total, covering different areas of social care, from learning disability services, to residential care and older people’s services.

Rachel Muir, Carolyn Palmer and the Roseate House team were all shortlisted for the North East and Scotland awards – the ceremony for which took place on Thursday 9 November at Gosforth Park Hotel.

“The Awards were great,” said Carolyn. “A bit nerve-wracking but it was good. I didn’t even know there was an award like that.”

She continued:

It’s great that staff across the region are being recognised for their hard work.

Art for The Queen’s Jubilee

Service Manager Carolyn Palmer was nominated in the ‘Care Innovator’ category for her work on an art project to commemorate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. With financial support from The National Community Lottery Fund, Carolyn set up a weekly art class where people we support created a series of artwork for an exhibition called ‘The Crown Jewels’ at The Exchange Theatre in North Shields.

“We wanted to show off their talent,” she said.

They were so proud to have their pictures exhibited in the gallery.

They also held a Jubilee Tea Party at Meadow Well Connected community centre. Carolyn and Support Worker Chris Kerton worked in partnership with people we support and The Cedarwood Trust to organise the spectacular event. There was free food and lots of activities and the event was well attended by people from all over the local community.

“We had a craft stall where people were making flags and crowns and everyone had a really good time,” said Carolyn. “There were a few hundred people in the end.”

Decorating crowns at The Queen’s Jubilee event
Find out more about our North Tyneside services

Group music sessions

Support Worker Rachel Muir was also a finalist in the same category, recognised for her work on introducing a weekly music class for people we support. The popular sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons. People we support choose the playlist each week, with one-off themed sessions on Halloween and at Christmas. Some people prefer to dance or play instruments, and others like singing along to the music.

“Every couple of weeks, we’ll do a karaoke session and give those that want the opportunity to perform live,” said Rachel.

One time, there was a gentleman who I’d never heard speak before and then he sang Reach by S Club 7. It was amazing to hear his voice coming through the speakers while everyone was singing along with him.

The room is filled with different coloured lights and some of the instruments light up too. Rachel said people we support really enjoy the sensory element – one person even falls asleep because he’s so relaxed!

Left: The music group is a big hit with people we support; Right: Rachel leads the group

Rachel explained how the music sessions have been especially important for people we support who are looking to make new friendships:

There are people in that group who have been coming there for two years now.

They see each other every week and they look forward to seeing each other. They invite each other to their birthday parties and it’s lovely.

See jobs in the North East

Advocating for Phillip

Our Roseate House team was also shortlisted for the ‘Co-production’ award, working with Philip to advocate for his health since he did not want to wear his uncomfortable, unsuitable body brace anymore.

They worked together, challenging professionals and pushing for Philip to have follow-up assessments he needed, until the specialist agreed the body brace was no longer necessary or suitable. He’s been loads happier since he binned the brace and is now waiting on a new wheelchair.

Phillip was more than happy to bin his uncomfortable body brace!

“Phillip is loving life,” said Rachel. “We took him to see Dirty Dancing in the theatre earlier in the year and I’ve never heard a man scream like that.

“We’re getting further with getting his new chair. He loves coming to music on a Wednesday and going out for a pub lunch on a Friday.”

He’s just got so much choice in his life now and he’s so happy.

Could you bring fun and music to someone’s life and help them make choices?

Check out our latest vacancies and start your new career today.

  • Jenna Lloyd is Senior Content Officer for United Response.