Hartford Care celebrates its hardworking team members at annual awards ceremony

Hartford Care hosted its second annual awards ceremony recently, to celebrate its valued and hardworking team members. The event, held at the AGEAS Bowl in Southampton, had 14 awards on offer, in categories ranging from ‘Inspiring Leader of the Year’ to ‘Dedication to Care’ and with a wealth of wonderful employees, there was much talent to choose from.

Residents, family members, visitors and team members across the company’s homes, as well as the team from central support, voted for their winners by filling in a nomination form. Once all votes were collected, the directors at central support had the tough job of choosing the winners from all the nominations and comments provided.

Dozens of positive comments were received to support the nominees, including from Shirley Bartlett, Quality Support Manger, Central Support who nominated Brenda Hunt for the Dedication to Care award. She said: “This person is one of the most loyal, honest, reliable and hardworking people I’ve ever met. They always give 100% in everything that they do. They have the residents’ best interests at heart, they are patient, kind and understanding and nothing is too much for them.”

Sophie Smith from Boulters Lock, who scooped the Carer of the Year award, was described as “an amazing young woman who cares for residents like her own family. I think every care home needs more people like Sophie”. While Katie Dixon of Tegfield House, who won Inspiring Leader of the Year, was said to “lead her team with enthusiasm and pride. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. She is always there for her team, and she really listens to what everyone needs and what they have to say. She is a great asset to Hartford Care and there is no doubt she has a very bright future ahead of her”.

The Award Winners:

Carer of the Year: Sophie Smith – Boulters Lock

Nurse of the Year: Amanda Yule – Springfield Nursing Home

Best Social Media Engagement: Burnham Lodge

Chef of the Year: Steve Pakiry – Hartford Court

Rising Star of the Year: Courtney Gallin – Malden House

Best Newcomer: Favas Vadakkethil – Ashley Grange

Activities Person of the Year: Justyna Szala – Malden House

Best Community Engagement: Ashley Grange

Inspiring Leader of the Year: Katie Dixon – Tegfield House

Team of the Year: Burnham Lodge

Ancillery Person of the Year: Shane White – Woodlands House

Employee of the Year: Christina Ashby – The Laurels and Pine Lodge

Support Person of the Year: Baz Westerman – Central Support

Dedication to Care: Brenda Hunt – Tegfield House

Hartford Care also launched its new brand values at the ceremony, with its new ethos of ‘Creating Caring Communities’; its philosophy of care underpinned by creating communities that are friendly, kind and welcoming of everyone, caring for each other and celebrating individuality by recognising that everyone needs something different to thrive.