The Stars Newsletter 2012 by Avante Care & Support

Special Edition

Newsletter

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Introduction Oh what a night! Put simply, the 2013 Stars Awards evening really was the best ever! From the minute nominees and guests arrived at the Priestfield Stadium to be welcomed with a smile and a glass of wine, to entering the spectacularly decorated banqueting suite with a black backdrop highlighted with hundreds of stars, to the last weary dancer leaving the dance floor, it was a perfect evening. The evening was hosted by Heart FM’s Breakfast Show presenter, James Heming, whose easy style and good humour really hit the spot with everyone present. James did an excellent job of building the tension and excitement as runners up and winners were named. The number and quality of the nominations across all categories surpassed the 2011 stars and the judges had a difficult job to determine winners, to the point that for the Stepahead Support Key worker of the Year, there was a three way tie for the winner! This year for the first time, the Stars Award evening provided the perfect opportunity to recognise the many volunteers who give their time to support our homes and services. As each volunteer was called up by name, the room burst into applause to show how much our volunteers are appreciated. The evening could not have been the great success without the support of our many sponsors and corporate supporters and a special thanks must go to all of them, and of course the organising team who did such an amazing job behind the scenes in preparation and on the night to create an event worthy of our staff; all of whom are Stars.

Cedric Frederick Chief Executive

Members of:

Established 1990. Avante Partnership

• National Housing Federation • The National Care Forum • Kent Community Care Association • IAHSA

A Company Limited by Guarantee (Registration No. 2565021, England) A Registered Charity (Registered No.1002727)

Registered office: De Gelsey House, 1 Jubilee Way, Faversham, Kent ME13 8GD Tel: 01795 597400 Fax: 01795 597419 Email: enquiries@avantepartnership.org.uk Website: www.avantepartnership.org.uk

Working with:

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The Mountbatten Award H WINNER COURT REGIS CARE HOME

‘Above and Beyond - Creativity at it’s best’ This category was for the service that had taken a creative thought and pursued it to making an idea a reality, that made a positive difference to the lives of an individual or group of service users. The winner for this award was Court Regis care home in Sittingbourne as residents and staff came up with the idea to replicate a street party for the Diamond Jubilee, so they could invite all their families and residents friends to come along and join in the celebrations. The idea then developed to invite the local school, thereby strengthening the relationship within the community, raising awareness of dementia and providing the children with some very special memories. Everyone was involved in the planning process and was able to be creative, designing posters, making the bunting and creating a themed menu ensuring the party was a huge success. The event was held in the garden in June 2012, where staff, volunteers and families united for this very special occasion. It took months of careful planning and a dedicated team of staff at Court Regis to enable a memory to be made that will live long in Court Regis history.

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Colleague of the Year

This category, Colleague of the year, was awarded to a member of staff who has been a great team mate, or a colleague who is great to work alongside.

H WINNER SUSAN PRICE

The winner of this award was Susan Price, Care Service Assistant, Perrygrove, as she was recognised as always inspiring and supporting her team. Susan always gives new members of staff as much time as possible to make sure they feel confident in the home and feel part of the team. Nothing seems too much trouble for her and colleagues say her knowledge and helpfulness makes working with her a pleasure. The runner up for Colleague of the year was Elaine Cox, Payroll, Head Office, and 2nd runner up was Nick Bennett, IT at Head Office

Community Support Worker of the Year

This category was awarded to the Community Support Care Worker in our community who has done the most to ‘Go the Extra Mile’ in the delivery of Avante Community Support’s Mission and Philosophy of Care.

H WINNER PETRA FOSTER

The winner of this award was Petra Foster, Carer for Community Support, as she has been recognised as an incredible carer and an amazingly kind and generous person. Colleagues who work with Petra have said it isn’t “just a job”, it is a vocation and she is devoted to providing the very best care for all of her clients. Petra is a happy and cheerful person and is valued highly by the team. One client said “I am delighted that her commitment and dedication to her clients has been recognised”. The runner up for Community support Worker of the year was Janette Baker and 2nd runner up was Dawn Phipps.

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Hotel Services Worker of the Year

This category was awarded to the Hotel Services Worker in our care homes who has done the most to ‘Go the Extra Mile’ in the delivery of front line services.

H WINNER SUZI PAYNE

The winner of this was Suzi Payne, Senior Cook at Court Regis, who consistently rises to the challenges put to her with diligence and support. She is a humble individual and not always aware of her worth, she will always go the extra mile and is a great team player through and through. Suzi has led her team in an encouraging and positive way and consistently stays within budget whilst providing nutritious, tasty food which has exceeded expectations. The runner up for Hotel services worker was Elaine Harris, Amherst Court and 2nd Runner up Maureen Smith Honeyfield.

Stepahead Support Keyworker of the Year

WINNERS KELLY COOMBES STEVE PAGE PHIL JORDAN

This category was awarded to the Keyworker who has done the most to ‘Go the Extra Mile’ in the delivery of Stepahead Support’s Mission and Philosophy of Care in support of the people, or a person, we care for and support. It was decided by the judging panel that all three nominees should be recognised as winners and therefore there was a joint 1st place between Kelly Coombes, Steve Page and Phil Jordan. Kelly, Steve and Phil were all recognised in being optimistic, enthusiastic and passionate with their work.

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Manager of the Year

H WINNER DAWN DWYER

This category was awarded to the Manager in the organisation who has shown the greatest leadership and support, inspiring their team and epitomising ‘The Avante Way’ of leadership and management, demonstrating ‘Accountability, Responsibility and Trust’. The winner of this award was Dawn Dwyer, Branch Manager for Community Support in Erith, who has been recognised as a very likeable person and easy to get on with, she is very approachable and always willing to help. Dawn is dedicated to managing the office and does so to a high standard, striving to operate a great service. Dawn has a warm nature and calm presence, which her staff feel plays a part in making her a great leader. The runner up for Manager of the year award was Lesley Edwards, Amherst Court and 2nd runner up Andrew Holden, Finance, Head Office.

Supporter of the Year

This category was awarded to a member of staff who has contributed the most to ‘support’ the delivery of front line services. This could be anyone throughout the organisation.

H WINNER TIM HARRIS

The winner of this award was Tim Harris, Quality Manager in the Practice Development Department, as he was described as a lovely, friendly gentleman. In the short time he has been with the organisation he has made quite an impact with Avante Partnership. Tim is very helpful, friendly and supportive to all of his colleagues and a pleasure to work with. He takes the time to explain his work and justifies actions required in a positive way; this empowers staff and makes them feel involved. The runner up for Supporter of the year was Jeanette Spooner, Willows Day centre at Court Regis and 2nd runner up Rachel Miles, HR at Head Office.

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Care & Support Worker of the Year

This category was awarded to the Care and Support Care Worker in our care homes who has done the most to ‘Go the Extra Mile’ in the delivery of Avante Care and Support’s Mission and Philosophy of Care.

H WINNER CHRISTINE PARSONS

The winner of this award was Christine Parsons, Care Service Assistant at Barton Court who always gives 100% to her work. Staff feel that Christine is a great colleague to work with and feel very lucky to be a part of her team, as she is a great team worker and is always happy. Christine is a great support and she is always willing to show new staff members the ropes. Runner up to this award was Tamsin Dixon and 2nd Runner up Wendy Ford, Pilgrims View.