The Trust found itself at the Learning Disabilities And Autism Awards 2024 last Friday night as we came together to celebrate the achievements of two of our staff.

Deputy Manager Toni-Ann Whitehouse (below bottom) – who had been nominated in the Frontline Leader category – and Support Worker Jean Maund (top), who found herself up for Support Worker of the Year prize, were joined by Managers and other staff to celebrate.

The awards which were designed to recognise – in the words of the organisers – The Best Of The Best, were attended by hundreds of people who work with or have lived experience of Learning Disabilities or autism, and mark one of the major events in the calendar.

The pair were not victorious on the night but Toni said: “I am proud to be nominated”, and Jean – who had never been nominated for an award before and received recognition for her superb work with Residents’ Mental Health – said: “It’s a real honour and it has been a brilliant night.”

The Trust Head Of Operations, Alison O’Meara, an Award Winner herself in the past, heaped praise on the pair and said: “This room had some of the very best people in care in, and Toni and Jean are both stars as far as we are concerned.”

As well as the awards winners, credit must be given to the staff at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham for a wonderful event, which included a special performance from Born To Perform, the disability dance troupe who have appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, a meal and a closing musical performance.