And the winner is… News from this year’s Great British Care Awards The Great British Care Awards pay tribute to those who have demonstrated outstanding service in their field of work. Due to the pandemic, this year’s national finals were held virtually, and while we couldn’t celebrate the awards in the usual glitzy style, it was still an opportunity to
acknowledge the achievements of all the winners and nominees. Kell Byer, a support worker at the Ivydale Road learning disability service in Southwark, was highly commended Home Care Worker Award category for the London region. In the South region, Fiona Dianin, Team Manager for three learning disability services, was shortlisted for the Team Leader category and Megan Boatman, Care Support Worker in a physical and learning disability service, also made the shortlist in the Care Home Worker category. All three colleagues have excelled in their roles, showing a real commitment to customers, colleagues and teams.
Here to help in Havering
Supporting Syrian Refugee Families: Amal’s story We’re working to support some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugee families starting a new life in the UK. Syria has the world’s largest number of refugees as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Amal and her family relocated to the UK in March 2020, after living in a camp in Lebanon for six years. It was difficult leaving Syria and her friends and family behind. The camp in Lebanon was not an easy place. However, Amal could cook, and that helped her to support homeless people and children at the camp. Amal’s love of cooking began at age 14. She feels she was wiser than other girls her age. She was brought up to look after the household and was inspired by her mother. Food hygiene and clean surfaces, especially when cooking chicken and meat, are very important to her. Amal’s favourite dishes include Mulukhiyah, which is thick vegetable soup often served with rice, and Tabbouleh, parsley and bulgur salad. Her Pakistani neighbour has fallen in love with Syrian food and has asked to try Amal's dishes, even if it's just a small amount. Looking to the future, Amal hopes to have a catering business or small restaurant. She’s keen to volunteer in her local community and would like to cook for
Here to Help offers free, short-term support to people aged 16+ who live in Havering, Essex, and need help to develop their independent living skills. The team has continued to provide information, advice and guidance to local residents, whilst working remotely. Here are some of their achievements since April this year: • 6,021 calls answered to provide information and guidance • 183 Foodbank vouchers given to Havering residents in need • 37 families supported with furniture when moving into new accommodation • 22 people supported into work the homeless and those in need. Mimi Trifonova, Outreach Support Worker said: "It is incredible to witness and be part of the journey these families have been on, and to support them in adapting to a new life after arriving in the UK just days before lockdown started. The resilience, dignity and desire to learn, which the families have shown has taught me to appreciate the achievements I have made, and to be a better support worker. This experience with the families is a two-way learning curve and no two days are the same."
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With Christmas just around the corner, the Here to Help team will be working with local radio station, TIME FM, to distribute toys to families in need. Phone: 01708 776770 (line open Monday – Saturday; 9am-5pm) Email: haveringfloatingsupport@peabody.org.uk
