SUPPORT workers from an Ellesmere Port care home are in the running for three prestigious awards in recognition of the outstanding care they deliver to residents.

Rivacre House in Overpool provides full-time care for people with mental health issues and learning disabilities. 

Manager Dreena Davies, deputy manager Julie Naylor, senior support workers Matthew Johnson, Victoria Wedge and Anne Alexander, and support workers Hannah Foley, Hannah Olney, Pauline Kujabi, Daniela Bucur and Stephanie Harvey have all been shortlisted for a team trophy in the North West Great British Care Awards.

Victoria is also up for two individual awards.

The team is in with a chance of winning the Co-Production Award, which recognises workers who make extra efforts to involve people who use the service and their families in the planning and delivery of their care.

They were nominated by Mark Thornton from Making Space, the national health and social care charity that manages Rivacre. 

“Everyone is valued at Rivacre,” said Mark. “Residents actively participate in monthly meetings to co-produce activities, often with the support of local organisations and businesses.

"It’s a real team and community effort, and really represents the spirit of co-production.”

Victoria was nominated in the Support Worker of the Year and the Dignity in Care categories by manager Dreena.

“The meditation and affirmation work Victoria does with residents really helps to build confidence and self-esteem,” Dreena said.

“She also uses physical therapy and dance to help people become more aware of their thoughts and bodies and how everything is linked to overall health. Residents love having that regular creative outlet and it all has such a positive impact on wellbeing.”

Shane Parnell is the associate director of operations at Making Space. He said of the awards: “It’s so important to celebrate the successes of all the hardworking teams within the care sector. Just being nominated means that someone has noticed how our colleagues go above and beyond every day to achieve the charity’s vision of putting wellbeing at the heart of health and social care.

“To reach the finals in the face of stiff competition really is a great honour for this wonderful team, their manager Dreena and of course Victoria. We’re thrilled for everyone at Rivacre and are behind them all the way. We wish all the finalists across our sector the best of luck on the night.” 

The finalists will find out if they’ve won at a gala dinner set to take place at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on 11th November.