The whole Trust was celebrating with the news that the whole staff team at Lisieux House have been shortlisted as Team Of The Year at the National Care Awards – while two more have been recognised individually.

They all had their interviews last month – with Senior Managers including CEO Jess (pictured below) and Head Of Operations Alison in attendance, along with Residents Glendon (on the picture below) and Lucy offering their perspectives too.

Alison was delighted and added: “I am really proud of them. They’ve had a really tough time with lots of changes, but one thing that has never altered is their commitment to the Residents.”

In addition, Rob – who has only been with us since January – has been nominated as Ancillary Worker of the Year. He smiled as he said: “It feels nice to be nominated for something, especially when I’ve only done the job for a few months. I didn’t really know what to expect. I’ve never worked in the care sector, so I had no idea. So, it’s just so I think just being myself and being sort of caring like I am and empathy with people and stuff. And I’ve learned a lot.”

Picking a high point in the last few whirlwind months, was tough, but he smiled at the thought of one in particular: “When it was my birthday, when I walked in, they all stood and sang up when I walked in. That moment was special.

It was emotional too, for Charlie-Anne – who has been Promoted to Senior Support Worker recently and has been with us for six years: “When I heard I was nominated, I really got overwhelmed,” she admitted.

It has been a personal journey since the start: “I was caring for my nan at end-of-life care as well. So, I was doing that and then she said to me one day,’ You’d make a great carer’.

She’s in no doubt about a favourite experience, though. “We went to Butlins before the Pandemic, and it was brilliant. All the residents had a blast. Everyone was commenting on how happy they looked in the photos.

Like Rob, she believes empathy is important: “I have my own struggles and differences, So I understand what it’s like to have differences and want to give back.”