VEAs award programme 2021

Voyage Excellence Awards Awards programme | 21 October 2021

All about the Voyage Excellence Awards..

Welcome Welcome to the 2021 Voyage Excellence Awards!

And what a journey it has been to get to tonight! We’re so thrilled to finally be able to come together again to celebrate the superheroes of Voyage Care, after an incredibly challenging 18 months. We are delighted to welcome you this evening, as we look forward to hearing the inspirational stories of tonight’s finalists.

Tonight’s celebration is the perfect opportunity to recognise the heroic contributions of the truly amazing people who help us to achieve our purpose of delivering great care and support. It’s always a special evening, and this year takes on even greater significance in the context of the events of the past couple of years. Put simply, the colleagues we celebrate this evening have been instrumental in the people we support being kept happy, active and above all safe, no matter what and we could not be more proud to lead such a passionate, creative and dedicated team. Thank you so much for everything you continue to do!

To our finalists – congratulations! It really is a stellar achievement to be here this evening; the competition was incredibly fierce this year, with another recordbreaking year for nominations; not only that, but the quality of the entries was the best our judges have ever seen! You should be very proud. We’re also delighted to welcome so many of our 2020 finalists to tonight’s celebrations – thank you for joining us and making this our biggest and best celebration yet! Our VEA finalists past and present are joined by some of our longest serving colleagues, who’ve reached 25 years of service - thank you for your dedication.

We hope you have an incredible night! The very best of luck to you all…

Have fun everyone!

Andrew Jayne &

Programme This evening’s celebrations will run as follows: Arrival drinks and reception Performance from a wonderful saxophonist and magical entertainment from RB Magic.

Dinner, followed by the award ceremony Musical accompaniment from an electric strings duo, Dave & Linda.

Entertainment Performance from the award winning band, Apollo Soul.

The final dance The Woodlands Suite will close at 1am.

Our host Gethin Jones’ television career started almost two decades ago; today he regularly appears with Alex Jones on the famous The One Show sofa, and his versatility as a broadcaster has enabled him to host a variety of different TV and radio shows.

Gethin loves a challenge, most recently in the Masterchef kitchen, but in 2007 he took himself completely out of his comfort zone, and onto the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor! He’s been involved with the show ever since with It Takes Two, including hosting the American version, Dancing With the Stars All Access for ABC in Los Angeles.

Outside of broadcasting, Gethin loves his sport and is always challenging himself physically - taking on triathlons to raise money for good causes.

He is currently studying for a Masters in Sport Directorship (MSD) - focussing on leading a high performing sporting organisation.

In memory of his grandfather who served in the RAF, and after spending time in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gethin is a loyal supporter of our Armed Forces. He also works closely with Noah’s Ark Charity and Maggie’s Centre, and is a proud Ambassador of Renewable World. Gethin and his best friend Sion both have nephews with autism, and inspired by Alby and Twm, they started a charity to help in the short, medium and long term. Their dream is to open a school for autistic children. The charity is called Nai, the Welsh word for nephew.

A special thank you..

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this year’s Voyage Excellence Awards. All of the footage you have sent to us has been amazing and we wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you.

We hope you all have a fantastic evening, it’s time to sit back and enjoy this special evening!

Share your photos with the room!

1 2 3 4

Go to greetix.com Choose your preferred messenger Send your photo followed by our event code: VEA2021 Look out for your photos on the big screen!

Enjoy!

All about the Voyage Excellence Awards..

Team awards Branch of the Year DCA Norfolk Norfolk DCA has proven that they live up to the outstanding rating they have been given by the CQC. Despite the impact of the pandemic, DCA Norfolk has continued to grow and completed successful transitions, focused on delivering support that gives people a sense of safety, security and belonging.

Children’s Complex Care The team have taken the changes of recent years in their stride since joining Voyage Care, and they have gone from strength to strength! They have embraced the challenges of COVID-19 and continued to deliver dependable care to families with very vulnerable children through uncertain times, attracting praise from commissioners and families alike.

Community Team of the Year Albert Road This close-knit team worked tirelessly and sensitively to support a person they had worked with for many years through end of life, enabling them to experience a good death, supported by people they knew, in the home they loved. Their efforts received praise not only from the person’s loved ones, but the hospice nurse they worked with. Though the outcome was sad, the team’s care was exceptional.

Oxford House The team at Oxford House epitomise collaboration and co-production. The service was set up during 2020’s lockdown and the team’s open and can-do approach helped the people they support to be instrumental in how their support was designed. They are now thriving in their new home and are embracing their independence, supported all the way by the Oxford House team.

Care Home Team of the Year Mandalay Mandalay are a team bonded through adversity; the service was hit hard

by COVID-19 and they were stretched to breaking point – but they worked together to get through it and did whatever it took to ensure people received the very best care and support. The team truly demonstrate the Voyage Care ETHOS. 24 St Marks Road The resilience this team have shown over the past year has been outstanding; they have advocated diligently for people with changing medical needs and seamlessly adapted their ways of working in the face of COVID-19. The home exudes a family atmosphere and a sense of togetherness and the team have built much valued mutual trust with families and the people they support.

Specialist Team of the Year Elmsmead The team at Elmsmead empower those they support daily, enabling them to exert choice and control even during the uncertainty of recent times. The team work in harmony; they communicate well and demonstrate a consistency that truly benefits the autistic people they support. Their creative problem solving breaks down barriers, allowing them to support people sensitively and fluidly.

74 Sir Evelyn Road Throughout COVID-19 this team have worked together in a truly unified way, going above and beyond for the people they support – promoting their independence and keeping them at the heart of their support. 74 Sir Evelyn Road demonstrate the Voyage Care ETHOS values every day, building amazing relationships with those they support and using this understanding to find creative support solutions.

All about the Voyage Excellence Awards..

Individual awards Community Support Worker of the Year Toni Lazarus, 24 Upland Road Toni showed immense personal strength and an unwavering commitment to the people she supports when a car mounted the pavement and hit Toni, along with a person she was supporting with a simple trip to the shops.

Despite her own injuries, Toni was by the person’s side in the next hospital bed, reassuring them. Toni continued to deliver exceptional care during this distressing time.

Julia Mills, Sunningdale Drive Julia is an absolute asset to her service, she’s friendly, fun and supportive, and calm in a crisis! The families of those she supports really value her warm nature and the nurturing relationships she has built with those she supports.

She is open and communicative, and her creativity has resulted in some truly unique experiences for the people at Sunningdale Drive.

Care Home Support Worker of the Year Kirsty Drummond, Redmond House A ‘can-do’ attitude and boundless positivity are the hallmarks of Kirsty’s approach to supporting the people at Redmond House. Despite the unusual times, Kirsty has always been there to keep people active and happy, and has built excellent relationships with the people she is key worker for and their families, providing much needed communication and reassurance throughout recent challenges.

Joseph Baker, Lavender House and Primrose Lodge Joseph puts a smile on the face of those around him; he is hardworking and will go out of his way to make sure people are kept active and supported to get involved – including in his unofficial role as the service’s gardener! The trust he has built with the people he supports has given them the confidence to try new things and his efforts are truly appreciated by the families of those he supports.

Community Senior Team Member of the Year Vlasta Bennett, 23 Lions Cross Vlasta makes sure those she supports live life to the fullest – she just finds a way to make things happen! She is always willing to go the extra mile and is a huge support to the whole team. Vlasta respects people’s choices and empowers them to reach their potential, inspiring those around her with her commitment and creativity; she gives her all and sees things through.

Kirsty Dockerill, School Lane Kirsty has built a hard working and respectful team who feel engaged and listened to thanks to her open and warm style. She listens and supports her team to plan effectively, maintaining high standards despite the impact of the pandemic. Kirsty is described as a role model for those around her and her efforts have brought about positive change. Kirsty empowers people to reach their potential.

Care Home Senior Team Member of the Year Gertrude Mandinyenya, Ridgeway Gertrude’s dedication shines through in the way she supports people; she gets to know them and their needs to make sure the support she provides is truly person centred. Gertrude instinctively goes beyond what is expected of her and is always willing to help out when needed. She is a positive presence and the rapport she has built is truly valued by the people she supports.

Tracey Hurt, Ruddington View Tracey’s dedication, understanding and exceptional ability to empower people and create togetherness is what inspired people to nominate her. The impact she has had on the lives of people she supports is immeasurable and her high standards are an inspiration to the team around her and she ensures they work with people in a uniquely person-centred way that has a positive impact on their overall happiness.

All about the Voyage Excellence Awards..

Field Based Support Team Member of the Year Sandra McNay In her role as Area Support Manager for Scotland, Sandra delivers incredible support to services and is a highly valued member of the team. Her commitment not just to care quality but also supporting growth in Scotland is undeniable and her work ethic is second to none – she’s always willing to go the extra mile for her teams and the people they support.

Valaine Wilson Valaine is experienced, hard-working and absolutely dedicated to training and supporting care workers in the community in her role at Children’s Complex Care. She is focused on empowering team members with the knowledge and practical skills they need to make a positive difference. Valaine’s professionalism and enthusiasm fosters a culture of togetherness.

Learner of the Year Amelia Gordon, Saxon Lodge Amelia joined Voyage Care as a 17 year old young apprentice. She adapted quickly to team working and made a positive impression on the team around her. Learning has not always been easy for Amelia, her perseverance and resilience is admired by those around her and her confidence has grown hugely during her apprenticeship. Amelia wants to learn and progress – she listens intently and acts upon what she has learned.

Charlotte Henstock, Northfield House Charlotte recently completed her Level 5 diploma in health and social care – with the pandemic adding to the challenge. She has shown outstanding progress, applying her studies and demonstrating great promise as a manager of the future. Charlotte has shared all she has learned with the team around her and her fresh perspective is helping her push the boundaries to deliver even better care.

Newcomer of the Year Finalists: Sarah Baldwin, Hurstville Drive Having joined Voyage Care mid-pandemic, Sarah quickly made an impression at Hurstville Drive, keeping the service on track when most of her team were isolating and moving into the service for 10 days. Sarah is calm and levelheaded, she has built excellent relationships with the people she supports and empowers them to make informed choices. Sarah listens and learns, she is dedicated and passionate and demonstrates our ETHOS in action.

Megan Mitchell, Circus Avenue Megan is new to care and joined us in early 2021 – since then she’s had a huge impact and has taken to her role as if she’d been working in care for years! She has shown aptitude, passion and enthusiasm – quite simply she gets stuck in, and the people she supports truly enjoy her company! Her approach is person centred, empowering people to make choices and live life as they wish.

Share your photos!

Share your celebrations with us on social by using our hashtag!

#VEAs2021

All about the Voyage Excellence Awards..

Long service

Joining us this evening are our long service colleagues who have reached 25 years’ service over the past two years! Congratulations to you all!

Theresa Bieny Sharron Blackman Diane Croves Sarah Donnelly Sonia Gallen Sirvjeat Grewal Swarn Haylat Andrew Hutchinson Kamaljiet Johal Susan Kent

Donna Locke Charles Mettle Susan Munroe Sharon Robinson John Young Terence Goater Wendy Tuppen David Jones Verna Adams Novelette Blake

Jeanette Knowles Linda Kulubya Ashley Loverance Carol Marshall Valerie Melvin Sarah Paterson Beverley Petgrave Michelle Prowse Eve Wright

Group Support awards Group Support Team of the Year Operations Integration Throughout the pandemic the Operations Integration team have continued to support the ‘growth’ pillar of our strategy, ensuring key acquisitions and mobilisations have moved forwards, despite the obvious challenges. They’ve achieved this with a great understanding of the pressures other teams have faced through this time; their support and great communication has been truly valued.

Service Optimisation The Service Optimisation team represent our ETHOS in action. The benefit of their knowledge and experience has been felt by many a team over the past year; their unique perspective is invaluable to service development and meeting our purpose; the delivery of great care and support. The team works collaboratively with services to set objectives and breaks down barriers to help them achieve their goals.

Group Support Team Member of the Year Mark Hamilton, IT Support Mark was nominated in recognition of his can-do attitude and the positive impact he’s had on the IT team since he joined in 2020. He goes above and beyond to get things done and has encouraged great customer service in the team around him. Mark is responsive and makes sure anyone he is supporting knows the status of their request – he understands the impact IT issues can have and acts accordingly.

Sophie Walters, HR Those who nominated Sophie talked about the exceptional support she’s provided to frontline teams over the past year. She has a great attitude, always friendly and approachable – and happy to help! She is solutions-focused and puts even the most challenging situations into helpful perspective. Sophie is dependable and a much-valued source of support for those she works with.

Manager awards Branch Manager of the Year David Bruin, Voyage Specialist Healthcare David is described as an outstanding manager; the support he has given his team through the trials of recent years has been incredible and as a result he has their respect and trust. David communicates well and has an excellent knowledge of the people his teams support. He maintains positive relationships with external professionals and his dual focus on great care and growth is really having an impact.

Kate Farroll, DCA Dorset Kate is organised and ‘on it’! Her leadership and empowering nature helps engage her team and makes things happen; she asks questions and takes advice, listening to others’ points of view before acting and making sure she’s making informed decisions. Kate is solutions-focused and her ability to work around barriers is respected by her team, whom she supports and nurtures with her open approach.

Care Home Manager of the Year Sarajane Willis, Northfield House Sarajane has led from the front throughout her tenure as manager of Northfield House. She has exceeded all expectations despite the impact of the pandemic, balancing the demands of a very busy specialist service and achieving an outstanding National Autistic Society accreditation. Sarajane is always willing to share best practice and is an inspiration to those she works with!

Magda Stankiewicz, Mandalay Magda is calm, approachable and knowledgeable. Throughout the challenges of the past 18 months she has ensured families are informed and engaged, encouraging her team to be creative in finding ways to keep people connected with their loved ones. She believes in her team and under her leadership they have been empowered to adapt to the changing times and maintain their high standards.

Operations Manager of the Year Urvi Patel, Central East Urvi has achieved continuous development in her teams by empowering them to achieve their goals through learning, improving their skills and expanding their knowledge. She encourages her teams to create meaningful experiences for the people we support and always ensures that they are at the heart of everything we do. Urvi is a fountain of knowledge and can always be relied upon to get the best outcomes for the people we support.

Vicki Bennett, Central West Vicki is passionate and determined about getting the best quality care and support for the people her teams support. She always looks for new ways to attract new supported people and reach commissioners in a positive way.

Vicki has good relationships with families and always empathises with them, making them feel a part of the journey.

Special awards COVID Hero ETHOS Award Karina Johnson, Quality Development Karina has been the backbone of our quality development response to the COVID-19 pandemic, translating complex guidance and providing invaluable support to the leadership team.

Laura Simmons and Sarah Jeffery, 1 Bellfield Avenue Sarah and Laura epitomise the above and beyond attitude of our frontline teams throughout the pandemic. Together they stepped up to keep people safe and well supported during a COVID-19 outbreak.

Plus!

Awards for Outstanding Achievement and the Sade Abayomi award, to be announced on the night.

Our special guests..

Last year, the Voyage Excellence Awards went virtual so our 2020 finalists were unable to celebrate in person. We promised you a bigger and better VEAs this year so we have invited last year’s finalists to join us on this special night!

Team categories

Individual categories

Branch of the Year DCA North Wales (Wrexham) DCA Surrey and Hants

Community Support Worker of the Year Samantha Overall Barry Stickley

Community Team of the Year Hinckley Day Care Upton Road

Care Home Support Worker of the Year Victoria Sanford Tara Woodhouse

Care Home Team of the Year The Legard Blackberry Hill

Field Based Team Member of the Year Shane Ritson Katie Reynolds

Specialist Team of the Year Trinity Vicarage Road Wey House

Learner of the Year Kayley Sharp Amy Buxton Newcomer of the Year Stanislav Earl-Ivanov Annette Lewis

Follow the night on social by using our hashtag #VEAs2021!

Group Support categories

Special awards

Group Support Team Member of the Year Kelly Thomson Ben McKee

COVID Hero Award Maria Graham Mohima Begum Katrina Pender Sue Frewer Sofia Musangeya Georgina Booth Rebecca Butler

Group Support Team of the Year Operational Support Team Quality Manager categories Community Manager of the Year Angela Miller Lisa Williams Care Home Manager of the Year Julie Gold Hayley Massey Operations Manager of the Year Angela Godsmark Paul Brockie

Outstanding Achievement All colleagues Sade Abayomi Award Micheala Ryan

Nominations for 2022..

It’s never too early to think about next year’s nominations! The last 18 months have been extremely difficult but you have continued to be resilient and committed to the people we support.

Every year, it gets harder for our judges to choose the winners as the nominations keep getting better and we love hearing your incredible stories!

If you already know who deserves to be recognised at the Voyage Excellence Awards 2022 then keep your eyes peeled on Hive to find out when the nomination window opens!